Somewhere in that pile of joy is the most prolific Asian-born home run hitter in major league history, Shin-Soo Choo.

Bartolo Colon went into the game hoping for a win, which would give him 243, which would tie him with Juan Marichal for the most victories by a Dominican-born pitcher.

That didn’t happen. But what did happen was just as noteworthy.

Shin-Soo Choo hit a home run in the bottom of the tenth inning to win yesterday’s game over the Royals 4-3. That was career home run number 176, and that gives him the record for most home runs by an Asian-born player, passing Hideki Matsui.

Bartolo pitched well, though. Another quality start. He had one hiccup in the third when he allowed four hits in a row and all three runs to score. He was vintage Colon other than that, keeping the Rangers in the game, a game in which they rallied from behind, then won in extra innings.

Don’t look now but the Rangers have won four of their last five games and, with a win tomorrow, can win two series in a row for the first time this year.

Little things.

Historic things.

There are still reasons to get excited about the Rangers.

*****
TODAY’S GAME:

Jason Hammel (1-5, 5.70) vs. Cole Hamels (3-4, 3.38)
Game time: 2:05

How the Royals hit against Hamels.
How the Rangers hit against Hammel.