Photo Courtesy: Darryl Briggs
The Texas Rangers have wrapped up their west coast road trip. However their series against the Mariners started out the right direction, but finished in the opposite direction. After the Rangers won the first two games of the series, they were just one game behind the Houston Astros first place position in the A.L. West. Sadly, after losing two straight, the Rangers are now 2.5 games behind Houston. The Rangers are now headed back to Arlington for a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics starting on Friday.
Yovani Gallardo took the mound for the Rangers in Game 1. In 5.1 innings, Gallardo gave up five hits, surrendered no runs, and struck out four batters. The Rangers offense finished with a total of six hits and were struck out a combined nine times. Despite the offensive struggles, the Rangers came out on top and won 3-0, with Gallardo getting his fifth consecutive win.
Cole Hamels was on the mound for Game 2. In seven innings, Hamels allowed eight hits, surrendered four runs, and struck out only three batters. The Rangers had a better performance during this bout, finishing with eight hits, including four home-runs. Once again, the Rangers came out on top for the second time in the series winning by a score of 9-6.
Martin Perez started for the Rangers in Game 3. In a short five-inning start, Perez allowed seven hits, surrendered five runs, and struck out four batters. The offense was a total disaster as they were only able to record one hit and struck out a combined thirteen times. After getting no support from the offense, the Rangers lost 6-0, giving Perez his second consecutive loss.
Derek Holland took the mound in Game 4. Holland was looking to stay unbeaten since his return from injury last month. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a bad game for him as he allowed nine hits, surrendered five runs, and struck out five batters through seven innings of pitching. The Rangers offense again had a terrible afternoon with only four hits and struck out a combined nine times. The Rangers were shut out for the second straight time losing 5-0.
With the last two embarrassing losses, the Rangers will look to regroup and not fall too far behind Houston. The Rangers will need to win their series at home against Oakland to stay close. If the Astros lose their series in Anaheim against the Angels, and the Rangers either win two-out-of-three or sweep the A’s, the Rangers will pick up right where they left off. The result could be either one game back or be tied for first place in the A.L. West. The Rangers need to stay focused and not lose their confidence if they’re to somehow win the A.L. West.
Upcoming Weekend Schedule – All Times CT
9/11 vs A’s 7:05 pm
9/12 vs A’s 7:05 pm
9/13 vs A’s 2:05 pm
