The Rangers just keep slipping and slipping behind. They can’t seem to find ways to pull through. They can’t seem to to climb out of a deep black hole they’ve dug themselves in.
After dropping the series in Houston against the Astros, the Texas Rangers are 7.5 games behind first place in the AL West standings, and they’re chance on earning a spot in the Wild Card is slowly slipping away. It’s only getting more difficult for the Rangers.
Martin Perez made his return for the first time since May of 2014 after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and took the mound for the Rangers in Game 1. In his first start in over a year, Perez allowed nine hits, surrendered three runs, and struck out only two batters in five innings of pitching. Despite recording more hits than the Astros, the Rangers came up short and lost the game 3-2.
Colby Lewis was on the mound for Game 2. Lewis had a good game allowing only four hits, surrendering just two runs, and striking out seven batters. After a back and forth game between both teams, the Texas Rangers took the victory in game two with a score of 7 to 6. However it is also worth noting that at the top of the ninth inning, as 2B Rougned Odor approached the plate, he and Astros catcher Hank Conger exchanged words. Moments later both benches cleared and both team managers engaged in a brief shouting match before order was restored. No one was ejected but the atmosphere was tense.
Yovani Gallardo took the mound for the Rangers for Game 3. Gallardo allowed seven hits, surrendered five runs, and struck out only one batter. Gallardo was pulled from the mound after pitching through only four innings. This game was a disaster for the Rangers as the offense was only able to record three hits and struck out a total of fourteen times. The Rangers were dismantled 10-0.
The Rangers are now heading to Denver, Colorado for a three-game series against the Rockies. Nick Martinez has been re-called back to the main roster, and he will take the mound for the Rangers for Game 1 of the Rangers-Rockies series.
Game 1 is Monday night and the Rangers will once again try to dig themselves out of the big black hole that they’ve been buried in, and will fight back to try and earn a Wild Card playoff spot.
Upcoming Schedule
7/20 @Rockies 7:40 pm
7/21 @Rockies 7:40 pm
7/22 @Rockies 2:10 pm
7/24 @Angels 9:05 pm
7/25 @Angels 8:05 pm
7/26 @Angels 2:35 pm
