Texas Rangers: Team Extends Winning Streak To Five Games

The Texas Rangers win game two of their three-game home series against the Oakland Athletics. As a result, their winning streak extends to five, their longest winning streak this season. Texas is now in second place in the American League West. However, they’re still a long way from first place as they trail Houston by eight games.

Another hard-fought performance by the pitching corps. Offense showed more improvement and came away big late in the game. Things may finally be looking up for the Texas Rangers. However, there’s still much to improve on.

Nick Martinez took the mound. He pitched 6.0 innings, allowing seven hits, three runs, and striking out one batter. However, he received a no-decision. Regardless, his performance is respectable.

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Tony Barnette relieved Martinez. He pitched 1.0 inning, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out no batters. He went to earn the win, thus becoming 1-0. Keone Kela then came in, pitching 1.0 inning, allowing one hit, one run, and striking out two batters, earning his third hold.

Matt Bush closed out the game, quickly striking out two batters and giving the Rangers the win, and earning his third save. However, speaking of Bush this night was special as it was the one-year anniversary of his promotion to the majors last season. Bush has worked very hard to be where he is now. He’s come a long way from being a convicted felon to an MLB closer. In any case, he must keep up the good work.

Offense finished 10-for-33 with 5 strikeouts. In the seventh inning, the offense had another great moment, trailing 4-2, scoring four runs to take a 6-4 lead. Three players had multiple hits. Elvis Andrus and Nomar Mazara had a combined five RBIs. Joey Gallo scored two runs despite not having a hit and striking out twice. Three players went hit-less. They left a total of seven players on base.

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Texas’ .221 batting average puts them 29th in the league. They’re fourth in the league in stolen bases with 31. In scoring runs, they’re tenth in the league, and tied for 22nd in the league in hits with 279. Finally, they’re third in the league in home runs, 11th in RBIs with 164, and sixth in striking out with 331. Bats are okay in some places, but overall, they’re still in a slump.

Later this afternoon, A.J. Griffin takes on the mound. He’s looking to improve to 5-0 and help Texas sweep Oakland. Extending the winning streak to six draws them closer to the Houston Astros.