Josh Hamilton launches first two home runs of the season

Look out, folks. Not only is Josh Hamilton back in the Texas Rangers lineup, it looks like he’s getting locked in quicker than perhaps even the Rangers themselves could have hoped for. 

After producing just one hit in 10 at-bats and admittedly looking rusty in Cleveland, he looked much more comfortable in his return to Arlington on Thursday. After being greeted warmly by the crowd, Hamilton ripped a first-pitch double that sent the crowd into a frenzy and put a stamp on his comeback.

On Friday, he took two more big strides, launching his first two home runs of the season. 

Hamilton’s first big fly came in the second inning against Boston Red Sox starter Steven Wright. Wright attempted to catch Hamilton with a 3-2 curveball, which is a pitch Hamilton has struggled with since his return. However, Wright left this one up and out over the plate, allowing the Rangers outfielder to yank it over the right field fence for the game’s first tally. 

[Listen up! We’ve got Rays star Evan Longoria on this week’s StewPod]

In his next at-bat two innings later, Hamilton would go deep again against Wright. Again, Wright went to his curveball. This time on a 2-2 count. And again, it caught too much plate, allowing Hamilton to pull it to the seats. The solo shot gave Texas a 3-2 lead, which they’re attempting to hold in the sixth inning.

Hamilton is also gauranteed at least one more at bat, so his big night might not be over. We’ll keep you posted. 

As it stands right now, the home runs are Hamilton’s first in MLB since August 24 last season against Oakland A’s left-handed Scott Kazmir. Hamilton also homered once during his rehab assignment. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813