Rangers Instant Rewind – Choo ignites the offense

May 2, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (left) celebrates with Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin (right) after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim, Calif – The Texas Rangers finally showed some signs of life last night against the Los Angeles Angels.  Colby Lewis took the mound and pitched another very good game.  For the doubters, it appears that Lewis is back.

The Angels managed to manufacturer a couple of runs over 5.2 innings that Lewis pitched last night and it appeared he would be on the hook for the loss.  Finally in the top of the 6 inning Shin-Soo Choo hit a solo home run and shortly after that Alex Rios hit a home run.  The 6 game and over 250 plate appearances, the Rangers finally hit a home run.

The Rangers defense finally picked back up.  There were a few plays that managed to get by the Rangers defense early in the game.   Elvis Andrus managed to finally find his stride an made a few excellent plays that included a few tough throws to first for the out.  Normally the Rangers defense isn’t an issue, but during the Oakland series, it seemed like any routine play, wasn’t routine.

Also, nothing was blown last night.  Neal Cotts and Alexi Ogando have both struggled lately and I’m sure many cringed when they saw those two enter the game.  Most recently Ogando had blown a save last Sunday against Seattle, and Neal Cotts has blown 3 saves in the 8th in the last part of April.  But, both pitchers did very well last night and kept the bullpen scoreless.

Finally, the offense hit the ball well, defense was clicking and the starters and bullpen pitched well.   When all 4 of those are firing well, the Rangers are a hard team to beat.  The previous 4 games the Rangers struggled to get 2 of those working right.  Maybe the day off helped, maybe Ron Washington had some choice words on the flight to Anaheim.  Also, consider the team has had a revolving door of players in various positions.  Once the team is healthy and more consistent, things should start to stabilize.  ou

Players like Jurickson Profar and Geovany Soto should return around mid-June to late-June.  Until then, hopefully the Rangers are done adding players to the disabled list.  Next up, game 2 of the 3 game series against the Angels.  Game plan for tonight?  Just do the same thing again tonight.  Play good baseball in all 4 areas.