Texas Rangers: Team Wins Game Four To Avoid Sweep

The Texas Rangers take the final game of their series in Houston, snapping a four-game losing streak. Regardless, Texas remains last in the American League West standings with a 12-17 record. Furthermore, Texas series-losing streak is now at three. However, winning this game is the first step to turning things around. In any case, they need to keep winning games and start winning series.

Overall, a respectable performance by the offense, as well as pitching. As far as pitching goes, they finally found a way to keep the game in Texas’ favor in game four. In games two and three, the Texas Rangers started out strong until the bullpen’s miscues that allowed Houston to come from behind to win, which is what happened in this series’ first two games. In game two, Texas lost 8-7, despite having a five-run lead and blasting five homers. In game three, they never had a chance, losing 10-1.

A.J. Griffin returned from the disabled list and took the mound. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowing a season-high of six hits, a season-low of two runs, and striking out seven batters, improving to 3-0 for the second straight year and third time in his career. Seems like he’s healthy and doing all right.

Bullpen finally had a good afternoon. Keone Kela, Dario Alvarez, and Jeremy Jeffress each earned a hold. Matt Bush closed the game, allowing just one hit and no runs. Tony Barnett relieved Griffin, allowing three hits and one run and being pulled in an instant. Apparently, he’s struggling. In one inning, Kela struck out three batters while allowing no hits.

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Pitching’s performance today is exactly what Jeff Banister expects from his team. Houston left a total 16 men on base. At one point Houston had their bases loaded with no outs and failed to take advantage.

Offense finished 11-for-36 with ten strikeouts and three home runs. Three players had multiple hits with only two going hit-less. Bats came to life, but they’re still a long way to digging themselves out of their slump. Regardless, they can’t give up. It’s only been one month and there’s plenty of baseball to play. The chance the Rangers have of making the playoffs is perhaps slim, but it’s possible. One way to do that is for the bats to come alive and stay alive.

Texas is now off to Seattle for a three-game series. Yu Darvish steps on the mound taking on former Ranger Yovani Gallardo. Texas must continue to win games and they must win series. It’s not too late, but the time to win is now.