Mitch Moreland blasts a rare Rangers home run

May 18, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Arlington, Texas – The Texas Rangers entered Sunday with a 4-game losing streak, their longest of the season.   Finally, with the help of Mitch Moreland the Rangers downward spiral finally stopped.

In the bottom of the 7th inning with the game tied at 2-2, Alex Rios managed to reach base on an error by Juan Francisco.  Next, Mitch Moreland hit a 2-run home run to give the Rangers the lead.

Watch the Mitch Moreland home run.

How rare was this?  It isn’t rare because it is a home run, but it is rare because the Texas Rangers are not hitting the long ball this year.  So far they have only hit 27 home runs, which puts them in 14 place in the American League.  To put things in prospective, the Houston Astros have almost double the amount at 48.

Home run totals for the American League

1. Blue Jays – 59
2. Angels – 49
3. Athletics – 48
4. Astros – 48
5. White Sox – 47
6. Yankees – 44
7. Indians – 37
8. Tigers – 37
9. Orioles – 36
10. Mariners – 36
11. Rays – 35
12. Red Sox – 34
13. Twins – 32
14. Rangers – 27
15. Royals – 20

Also, it was only the second home run for Mitch Moreland.  His last home run was on April 9th against the Boston Red Sox.

Watch Moreland’s first home run vs. the Red Sox

Also, it was a rare win be cause the Texas Rangers are only 6 and 18 when the opposing team scores first.   Hopefully these rare occurrences won’t be so rare by the end of the season.  With Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre anyone would figure those to combined should finish the season with 50 to 70 home runs.  Also, you’d have to figure Moreland, Alex Rios and Shin-Soo Choo are good for several also.  Right now they are still in an offense slump.  Before last night’s game, the Rangers had only 2.14 runs per game.  After last night’s 6 run game they are averaging 2.63 runs over their last 8 games.  Maybe Moreland’s home run last night will give the offense a much needed spark.