Photo Courtesy: Keith Allison
The last time the Texas Rangers were competing against the San Francisco Giants in Arlington was back in October of 2010. And it was for the World Series, which ended with the Rangers losing in five games, with Game 5 taking place at Globe Life Park. Since then, the Giants have won two more World Series, one of which was last season.
After splitting a home series against the New York Yankees, the Rangers took on the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series at home. As of late, the Rangers have been fighting to stay on pace to earning a spot in the Wild Card.
Nick Martinez took the mound for the Rangers in Game 1. Pitching 6.1 innings, Martinez allowed seven hits, surrendered two runs, and struck out four batters. The Rangers offense was able to record nine hits against Giants ace pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Thanks to some early inning home runs, the Rangers won game one with a score of 6-3.
Cole Hamels, who had been recently acquired by the Rangers from the Philadelphia Phillies, made his debut in a Rangers uniform in Game 2. In his Rangers debut, Hamels allowed eight hits, surrendered five runs, and struck out six batters. The Rangers had a 7-4 lead, but the bullpen was not able to hold on to it, and the Giants were able to tie the game in the eight inning, and win the game in the eleventh inning with a final score of 9-7. Cole Hamels ended up getting a no decision on his Rangers debut.
Martin Perez took the mound in Game 3. Perez was looking for his first win of the season. In 8.1 innings, Perez allowed only two hits, surrendered just one run, and struck out six batters. After a battle of great defense from both the Rangers and Giants, the Rangers slid past the Giants after a miracle double-play in the top of the ninth with two outs that gave the Rangers the win with a final score of 2-1. With that miraculous double play, the Rangers took the home-series win against the defending World Series.
After a decent series against the Giants, the Rangers will begin a three-game series against the first place Houston Astros. Being eight games behind the first place position in the A.L. West, the Rangers will have to beat the Astros with a clean sweep in order to be on a faster pace to possibly regain the first place position.
Colby Lewis will take the mound for the Rangers. Game 1 of the Rangers-Astros series is August 3. The Rangers will continue to fight for a Wild Card spot.
Upcoming Schedule
8/3 vs Astros 7:05 pm
8/4 vs Astros 7:05 pm
8/5 vs Astros 7:05 pm
8/7 @Mariners 9:10 pm
8/8 @Mariners 3:10 pm
8/9 @Mariners 3:10 pm
