Texas Rangers: Hamels Earns Win As Team Edges Dodgers
![Sep 28, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) delivers to the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/NolanWritin-cover-70e0d57a1fea505fa1e0b09e83d5d3d8.jpg)
The Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers today 3-2. Opening Day is one week from tomorrow. Texas has five games remaining this Spring. They need to close out Spring Training the best way possible. Winning the rest of their games can certainly give them an edge as they prepare for Opening Day.
Overall, a well hard-fought effort by the pitching corps and the offense. No doubt, within the next few days, the Texas Rangers will continue to work on improvements so they can be ready for the regular season.
Offense went 8-for-28 and struck out five times. On a positive note, the low amount of strikeouts today is positive and this is what Texas needs to do this season. As far as hits go, offense isn’t going to be perfect, but there’s no doubt they can do better. With the Cleveland Indians coming to town for Texas’ opening series, the offense will need to perform harder.
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Hamels made his third appearance this Spring. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two hits, surrendering one run, and striking out two batters, thus earning his first win the Spring. Jose Leclerc relieved Hamels, pitching 1.0 inning, allowing one hit, surrendering no runs, and striking out one batter. Dario Alvarez then came in, pitching 1.0 inning, allowing no hits, surrendering no runs, and striking out one batter. Anthony closed the game, pitching 2.0 innings, allowing two hits, surrendering one run, and striking out one batter, thus earning a save for today.
Texas takes on the Colorado Rockies tomorrow. With Opening Day knocking on the door, Texas needs to keep winning at all costs. Of course, it’s Spring Training and wins don’t mean much, but like I’ve said before: there’s never a reason to never put an effort to win. It’s all about keeping negativity away.
In any case, everyone needs to be ready so the team is good to go.