Texas Rangers: Hope To Clinch Versus Angels Again

The Texas Rangers may have a chance to secure their 2nd consecutive American League West crown tonight when they take on Jared Weaver and the L.A. Angels. This all depends on what happens in other division games that will wrap up before the Rangers play in the later slot.

Now, I do not believe that the Texas Rangers are going to watch those scores because that is just not the way they operate. The Ranger have thrived off of staying focus on what is in front of them and what they can control. For tonight, the can only control if they beat the L.A. Angels or more importantly Jared Weaver who’s starts have resulted in a  2-0 record against the Rangers this year.

The Rangers can clinch tonight if the A’s beat the Astros and the Rangers win.

Rangers Manager Jeff Banister was asked on local sports talk radio station 105.3 The Fan early today why the Rangers have had so much trouble versus Weaver. Banister explained that the Rangers are a “fastball hitting ball club” and that weaver makes all of his pitches look the same by not changing up his delivery. Weaver keeps pitches over the plate and the combination of those two things have led to Ranger hitters only having 10 hits and 3 runs against him while striking out 12 times.

Cole Hamels was originally slated to make the start on the mound for the Texas Rangers but has been given another rest day in order to prepare for the playoffs and work on mechanical issues. Derek Holland will take the mound, he has started 3 games vs the Angels this year and has a 1-1 record with a 2.55 ERA through 17.2 innings.

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Holland has come back from the DL recently and has been frustrating for Texas Rangers fans to watch. He has been in the bullpen primarily as of late except for the times Yu Darvish or Cole Hamels are given an extra day of rest. Holland has allowed 15 hits to the Angels this year while only giving up 5 runs and recording 10 strikeouts.

Jeff Banister mentioned that he would love to win the division at home for the fans to be able to experience that special moment. I think that if they had the opportunity, Ranger fans will see a dominant outing by Derek Holland and champagne will fly!

If the Texas Rangers do not have the chance to clinch tonight then do keep an eye out for a bench clearing moment as these to clubs do not like each other. Jeff Banister said that he is aware of the likelihood of this occurring and will explain to his team that the Angels have nothing to play for and the Texas Rangers have a World Series to be healthy and not suspended to go win.

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It is worth noting that the Texas Rangers clinched the division on the last day of the season when Cole Hamels pitched a gem against these same Angels. Let’s Go Rangers! Do you think they will make it happen?