M's Notebook | Rangers' 30 runs still a hot subject

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers reliever C.J. Wilson noticed the huge throng of reporters in Texas' clubhouse before Thursday's game and joked, "Did someone punch a cameraman or something?"

Indeed, not since the infamous Kenny Rogers incident of 2005 have the Rangers instigated such a media stir.

But this time, the cause was one to celebrate — Texas' outrageous offensive output in a 30-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles a night earlier at Camden Yards, which was still the talk of baseball less than 24 hours later.

"Tell you what, Mike Holmgren and Wade Phillips would take 30 their opening game, and take their chances," said Mariners manager John McLaren.

Funny he should mention that — the most points the Dallas Cowboys have ever scored in Baltimore is 37. And the Baltimore Ravens never allowed 30 points in any game last season.

The 30 runs, in fact, were the most runs scored in a game since the Chicago Colts beat Louisville 36-7 back in '97 — 1897, that is.

"I'm not saying it won't happen again, but it will probably be a period of time, like it was from 1800s to the year 2007," said Texas manager Ron Washington.

The Rangers also won the nightcap, 9-7, setting a record for the most runs scored in a doubleheader.

But it was the 30-run game that still had the Rangers buzzing in the clubhouse. Washington pointed out that Texas third-base coach Don Wakamatsu had the stop sign up in the latter innings as the Rangers scored 16 in the final two.

"If we had stayed aggressive, we might have scored 35," Washington said. "But you can't do that. You can't embarrass people."

Rangers designated hitter Jason Botts noted that he and teammate Marlon Byrd batted in each of the final five innings.

"I think one of coolest things is it wasn't exactly the lineup you'd expect would go out there and put 30 runs up," said Botts. "So many of us have something to prove. We didn't want to stop at any point."

Another notable aspect was the fact that reliever Wes Littleton, who had the solemn responsibility of protecting a 27-run lead, earned a save. That's because he worked the final three innings, which brings automatic qualification.

This game has prompted some to call for a re-evaluation of the save rule, but Littleton isn't one of them.

"I think it's a good thing," he said with a smile. "I'm not going to complain."

White, not Wells

Rumors filtered through Texas that David Wells had been seen in the Mariners' hotel.

It turned out to be veteran right-handed reliever Rick White, a Wells look alike who was called up from Class AAA Tacoma to join the Mariners' bullpen.

He replaces lefty John Parrish, who was acquired in a trade from Baltimore on Aug. 9 but didn't pitch well in four appearances (8.44 earned-run average) and was redundant as the fourth lefty in the pen. Parrish was optioned to Tacoma.

White gives McLaren a third right-hander, along with Sean Green and Brandon Morrow, to get to closer J.J. Putz.

"It's mainly just the balance," McLaren said. "Rick did a real good job in Tacoma. He's a veteran guy who has been in the postseason, and has a good game face."

White, 38, acknowledges the resemblance to Wells. He jokes that he lost 20 pounds this offseason to distinguish himself from the portly left-hander. He said even his kids think that it's their daddy when they see Wells on television.

"I don't mind the face thing, but when you start comparing bodies, I'm like, 'I've got to get out of that,' " he said. "It's a scary resemblance when we're standing side by side."

The Mariners are the 11th organization for White, just one away from Mike Morgan's major-league record of 12. He started the season with Houston but was released on June 28 after compiling a 7.67 ERA in 23 relief appearances.

White was at home in Ohio contemplating the possible end of his career when the Mariners coffered a job. They signed him July 23 and sent him to Arizona for two weeks to get in shape, then to Tacoma, where he was 1-1 with two saves and a 1.00 ERA in nine innings.

White said that a herniated disk in his neck earlier in the season caused numbness in his fingers. He says he's fine now and happy to be back in a pennant race.

"Hopefully, I'll get on this wave and ride it, keep pitching good and help these guys get there," he said.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com

For the record

Streak: W1

Home: 41-24

Road: 31-29

vs. AL West: 21-17

vs. L.A.: 4-8

vs. Oakland: 10-3

vs. Texas: 7-6

vs. AL East: 22-12

vs. AL Cent.: 20-15

vs. NL: 9-9

vs. LHP: 24-8

vs. RHP: 48-45

Day: 19-17

Night: 53-36

One-run: 21-17

Extra innings: 4-1