The Texas Rangers extend their winning streak to seven games with a well-played 5-1 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. They climb back to second place in the American League West standing. If Texas can win game two of this series tonight, they’ll be on an eight-game winning streak for the first time since 2013.
The Texas Rangers are 20-20 with 14-8 record at home. Winning tonight’s game will give them a winning record for the first time this season. While sweeping the Phillies is the best thing for the Rangers, they need to concentrate on one game at a time. This is how they’ve won seven straight and that’s how they can win their eight straight.
Yu Darvish stepped on the mound. He pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four hits, one run, and striking out nine batters, improving to 4-2. Darvish has been impressive in his last five starts, winning three games and receiving two no-decision. In any case, he needs to keep it up as he’s in his contract year.
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Alex Claudio relieved Darvish, pitching 1.0 inning, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out batter, earning his second hold this season. Since suffering a blown save ten days ago against Seattle, Claudio has been progressing and he’s pulling himself together.
Matt Bush closed the game, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out one batter to seal Texas’ win. In his last ten games, Bush has allowed six hits, one run, and struck out eleven batters, earning four saves and earning two wins.
Overall, pitching did very well. Forced Philadelphia to leave five batters on base.
Offense finished 8-for-32 and struck out nine times. Jonathan Lucroy and Nomar Mazara both had two hits, but both struck out twice. For Mazara, this was his third consecutive game with two hits, and he has nine hits in Texas’ winning streak. Lucroy has ten hits in his last 10 games, and ten in the current streak. Mike Napoli was a perfect 3-for-3, including the game-sealing two-run homer in the eighth. This is his first three-hit game this season and sixth multi-hit game this season. Six players went hit-less and a total of six players were left on base.
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Tonight, Andrew Cashner steps on the mound. Looking for his first win, he’s also looking to lead Texas to their eight straight victory. If Texas wins tonight, it’ll be the first time they’ve won eight straight since 2011.