Texas Rangers: Team Picks Up First Win Of The Season

The Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics in game one of this series to earn their first win this season. After suffering a sweep against the Cleveland Indians, Texas couldn’t afford to continue a losing streak. Texas is now 1-3. However, they’re still at the bottom of the American League West standings.

The bottom line of this game is the win. However, when it comes to starting pitching, it’s still a major problem. Just like in two games against Cleveland, Texas jumped in and took a lead early, and on a positive note, they held on to the lead. Texas immediately jumped to an 8-0 lead after two innings. Then things began to change. But Texas held on and won 10-5.

A.J. Griffin took the mound. He pitched 3.1 innings, allowing four hits, surrendering four runs and striking out four batters. Another terrible performance by a Rangers starting pitcher. When Griffin was pulled out of the game, the bases were loaded with only one out. Alex Claudio then entered the game and pulled off a miracle by forcing a double play. Claudio pitched 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit, surrendering no runs, and striking out no batters, thus earning the win. Since last year’s All-Star break, Claudio has a 1.86 ERA, according to Evan Grant. Tony Barnett and Jeremy Leclerc pitched the last two innings of the game, allowing a combined one hit, surrendering one run, and striking out just one batter.

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Offense finished 11-for-36 and struck out a total of four times. Looks like they’re picking up their groove. In the first inning, Rougned Odor blasted a two-run homer, giving the Rangers a 3-0 lead. In the second, Nomar Mazara blasted a grand slam, giving Texas an 8-0 lead. A much improved performance by the offense. Only three players went hit-less. Four players had multiple hits. Mazara now has three homers this season and Odor has four. However, speaking of Mazara, his one-year anniversary of his Rangers debut will be on Monday. Offense is making progress. In any case, they need to keep it up. On a positive, the fact that they struck out only four times is good.

Texas came into this game 19-19 against the A’s in the past two seasons. Oakland always challenges and gives Texas a hard time. No doubt, this season Texas is looking to beat Oakland as many times as possible.

Next: 3 takeaways from the Rangers disastoruous opening series

Yu Darvish steps on the mound today. After receiving a no-decision on Opening Day, he’ll be looking to get his first win of 2017.