Texas Rangers: Team Returns To The Win Column

Jun 17, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (right) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (25) hug after defeating the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (right) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (25) hug after defeating the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers pick up their second consecutive victory. As a result, the Rangers win their third straight series, as well as improve to 8-2 in their last ten games. Once again, they’re over .500. The Rangers are in second place and eleven games behind the first-place Houston Astros. In any case, the Rangers winning streak must continue if they’re to catch up.

Another really good night for the Texas Rangers. Taking an early 5-0 lead in the first, it looked as if was going to be long night for Seattle. In the third, Seattle made it 5-1. However, in the sixth, Seattle made it 5-4, threatening the Rangers. But in the bottom of the sixth, the Rangers added five runs, making it 10-4. Seattle couldn’t respond, and Texas won. For the first time this season, Texas has scored ten runs in consecutive games.

Martin Perez took the mound. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, and striking out five batters, improving to 3-6.

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After giving up a three-run homer, Perez was pulled and relieved by Jose Leclerc. Leclerc pitched 0.2 innings, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out two batters, earning his fourth hold this year.

Alex Claudio then entered, pitching 1.0 innings, allowing two hits, no runs, and striking out two batters. Keone Kela then came in, pitching 1.0 innings, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out two batters. Jeremy Jeffress closed the game, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out one batter.

Excellent pitching in this game. Perhaps a little bit of a hiccup in the sixth inning, but the bullpen prevented a comeback attempt by the Mariners. Pitching’s 4.24 ERA places them 13th in the league, jumping two spots from after game one of this series.

Offense finished 10-for-35, striking out six times. That’s two games where Texas has struck out less than eight times. That’s a streak they want to continue. Four players had multiple hits. Rougned Odor went 2-for-4, blasting his 12th homer this season. Mike Napoli blasted two two-run homers. Seems like Napoli is feeling no ill effects. Shin-Soo Choo also blasted a two-run homer, his eleventh homer this season, and he’s also on a three-game hitting streak. Jonathan Lucroy went 0-for-4, ending his four-game hitting streak. Nomar Mazara went 2-for-4, ending a two-game hit-less streak. Elvis Andrus’ hot streak has cooled down, as he’s gone 2-for-15 in his last four games. The offense has been terrific in the last two games. In any case, they must keep it up and continue to strike out less than eight times.

Yu Darvish steps on the mound for the final game of this series. Sweeping Seattle would be a big help as the Toronto Blue Jays are coming to Arlington on Monday. Texas needs all the momentum and confidence they need before taking on Toronto.

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