Texas Rangers: Team Blows Several Leads In Tonight’s Loss

The Texas Rangers come up short in tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This loss snaps Texas’ nine-game winning streak at home. Texas is now 16-9 at home with 25-27 record for the season. Furthermore, they’re now eleven games behind the first place Houston Astros in the American League West standings.

At one point, the Texas Rangers had a 4-1 lead, which Tampa then cut to 4-3, which Texas made 5-3, which Tampa then made 5-5. Texas then made it 7-5 and when Tampa made it 7-7, Texas never had the lead again. Best way to describe this game is simple; Texas didn’t get the job done despite have several golden opportunities.

Martin Perez took the mound. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowing a season-high nine hits, season-high five runs, and striking out six batters, receiving a no-decision. Despite a not very convincing performance, Perez is fortunate to have received run support from the offense. At the end of the day, it was meaningless as Texas came up short.

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A difficult night for the bullpen. Jeremy Jeffress, who relieved Perez pitched 1.0 inning, allowing one hit, one run, and striking out. Alex Claudio, who pitched 0.2 inning, allowing no hits, one run, and striking out one batter, earning his fourth hold this season. Tony Barnette pitched 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, three runs, and striking out three batters, suffering the loss, as well as receiving his third blown save this season. Keone Kela closed it out, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out one batter.

Offense finished 13-for-37, striking out eight times and leaving a total of eight players on base. Five players had multiple hits. Nomar Mazara had three. Joey Gallo blasted his 16th home run of the year. Gallo is tied for fourth in the league in homers. Speaking of home runs, the Rangers have homered in 13 consecutive games and they’re eighth in the league in homers with 70 for the season. Adrian Beltre made his season debut, returning from a calf injury that’s sidelined him since Spring Training. He finished 1-for-5.

Nick Martinez steps on the mound tomorrow. Texas must win it if they want to avoid losing their third straight series. The time to turn things around is now.