Looking Back Twenty Years To a Record Setting Mid-April Game Between Playoff Teams

The Texas Rangers probably never thought about it when they scored three runs in the first inning on their April 19 game. The memory of twenty years ago, however, should have struck some fans, especially when Houston turned around to plate two runs in the top of the second. Texas would not have to panic about an evaporating lead if they could somehow have revisited what happened back in 1996.

On that very date two decades ago, the Rangers had a record day for offensive production. They ended up scoring 26 runs, and two thirds of those came in their final at bat.

They were hosting the Baltimore Orioles, who had to be pleased with the way the game started. All-Stat outfielder Brady Anderson led off the game with a home run, giving the O’s a lead that would be very, very short-lived. Texas quickly plated five in the home half of the first.

Over the next few innings, the Rangers tacked on more runs. By the time they came up to bat for the last time, Texas had already crossed the plate ten times.

It was in that home half of the eighth, though, that an incredible offensive record was set. Spurred by home runs from third baseman Dean Palmer and outfielder Juan Gonzalez, both of whom had already gone deep, the Rangers scored 16 times. That output established a modern day record for most runs in one inning, and the 21 batters to reach the plate were also the most in one frame.

Besides the records set by Texas, that memorable game held several interesting characteristics. For such a lopsided game, it seems improbable that both clubs involved would end up in the playoffs that year. Texas fell to the Yankees in the American League Division Series and, after getting past Cleveland, Baltimore fell to New York in the A.L. Championship series.

The fact that the Orioles, in spite of their futility in that game of April 19, came so close to a pennant is not surprising when you consider their lineup. It was anchored by two Hall of Famers in shortstop Cal Ripken and second baseman Roberto Alomar, as well as first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, one of the few members of the career 500 home run – 3,000 hit club.

The Rangers themselves had some stars, whose stats were certainly not hurt by that 26 run game. Juan Gonzalez had six runs batted in, and Dean Palmer drove in five. Leadoff hitter Darryl Hamilton, who passed away just eight months ago, had four hits in six at bats.

Perhaps the most amazing detail of all, given the context of the lengthy contests of baseball today, is the duration of that game. Even with over three hundred pitches thrown and 75 plate appearances, the two teams completed the game in four hours and fifteen minutes.

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