Texas Rangers: Elvis Andrus Leads Team To Victory

The Texas Rangers pick the win in game two of their series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Texas is now 26-27 overall and 17-9 at home. They remain in third place and trail the first place Houston Astros by eleven games in the American League West standings. Texas must continue to win games as they can’t let Houston get farther.

Texas was up 2-0 after the first inning. In the third, Tampa took a 4-2 lead, extending it 5-2 in the fifth and it looked as though the Texas Rangers would suffer another heart-breaking defeat. However, Elvis Andrus blasted a three-run homer to tie the game and Texas would go the rest of the game without trailing.

Nick Martinez took the mound. He pitched a season-low 4.1 innings, allowing six hits, five runs, and striking out three batters, earning a no-decision.

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Dillon Gee relieved Martinez, making his 2016 major league season debut. The former New York Met and Kansas City Royal, pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three hits, no runs, and striking out one batter.

Keone Kela then came in. He pitched 1.0 inning, allowing one hit, no runs, and striking out batter, earning his second win this season. Matt Bush closed the game, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out no batters, sealing the win for Texas. Pitching forced Tampa to leave six players on base.

Pitching’s ERA of 4.22 places them 17th in the league. They’re 12th in runs allowed and tied for 26th in strikeouts. In any case, they need to continue to improve. There’s several injuries, but they must keep their head up.

Texas’ fielding of .982 puts them 19th in the league. They’re still first in the league in double plays with 66, but Colorado is close to possibly passing Texas. Last but not least, Texas is tied for eleventh in errors with 35.

Offense finished 11-for-34, striking out ten times. Elvis Andrus, Nomar Mazara, and Joey Gallo all had multiple hits. Rougned Odor went 0-for-4 and he’s one of three starters who went hit-less. Of course, Andrus had that big three-run homer that sparked a Texas comeback. Texas has now homered in 14 straight games, which is the second longest current streak behind the Cleveland Indians who’ve homered in 15 straight. Offense’s .242 batting average places them 21st in the league. They’re also 20th in hits with 426 and they’re tied for sixth in homers with 72. Offense still has work to do. In any case, offense needs to continue to play well.

Game three is tonight. Austin Bibens-Dirkx is making his ever start in the majors. Furthermore, he’s 32 years of age. Years and years of working hard in the minors and independent league finally gives him his big chance. Hopefully he’ll lead Texas to a victory.