The Rangers started their road trip with a huge victory over Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays Tuesday night.

Brandon McCarthy had another strong outing, going six innings and giving up only 3 runs.  I would have liked to see McCarthy go back out for the 7th inning. He had only thrown 97 pitches through the 6th. This is the second straight outing where I thought Ron Washington pulled him too early. With the current state of the bullpen, you leave too much up to chance when you pull a starter out early when he’s pitching well. It almost ended up costing the Rangers. Frank Francisco was able to pitch his way into and out of a jam started by C.J. Wilson.

Michael Young played a solid third base tonight. He made a diving play to his right to rob his buddy, Vernon Wells, of an easy double down the line. He also saved Francisco (and the Rangers for that matter) by snagging a rocket line drive by Rod Barajas with the bases loaded and one out.

Ian Kinsler continued his MVP bid by going the other way (yes, he actually hit the ball to right field) for a go-ahead 2-run homer. He is unbelievable!

This was a huge win for the Rangers. It’s easy to come out flat after an emotional victory like the one the Rangers experienced Sunday, especially when your on the road facing Roy Halladay. Credit the Rangers and Ron Washington for battling this one out for the win.

I was glad to see the quotes from Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan regarding their confidence in Wash as the manager. Wash needs that. This team needs that. Wash is a good coach. I don’t always agree with his decisions, but his team loves him and plays hard for him. I just hope that dedication translates into wins for the Rangers.