Texas Rangers: Cole Hamels Improves to 4-0 In Win Vs Angels

The Texas Rangers pick up a much-needed 10-0 win against the Los Angeles Angels. As a result, Texas is a two-game winning streak since their series in New York two weeks ago. Furthermore, Texas remains in third place in the American League West standings, but are now 16.5 games behind Houston. If Texas manages to sweep the Angels, Texas will take second place.

A very pleasant evening it was for the Texas Rangers. Immediately in the first inning, Texas jumped to a 3-0 lead, making 8-0 in the second. Game was quiet the next three innings. Los Angeles just couldn’t get anything going. In the sixth, Texas increased it to 10-0 and then they just played defense to call it a night. Texas is now 42-44. This is Texas’ fourth shut-out win this season and their second at home.

Cole Hamels took the mound. He pitched 7.2 innings, allowing three hits, zero runs, and striking out six batters, improving to 4-0 for the first time in his career. This is his first shut-out performance this season. Since arriving in  Arlington on July 31, 2015, Hamels is 26-6 with a .813 winning percentage, which tops the American League.

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Jeremy Jeffress relieved Hamels, pitching 0.1 innings, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out one batter. Just a few days ago, Jeffress was activated from the disabled list. He missed time due to a muscle strain in his lower back.

Jason Grilli closed the game, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out two batters. Since arriving in Arlington from Toronto, Grilli has pitched 2.0 innings, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out four runs. In any case, he must keep it up.

Defense has three double-plays tonight. They have 95 for the year, placing them second in the league. Pitching’s ERA of 4.35 places them 15th. Texas’ pitching has only allowed two runs in their last two games. In any case, they need to continue playing well.

Offense finished 12-for-34, striking out five times. That’s two games now with less than eight strikeouts. That’s a streak Texas ought to continue. Going 3-for-4, Rougned Odor increases his hitting streak to nine games. Going 0-5, striking out four times, Carlos Gomez’s six-game hitting streak comes to an end. Mike Napoli begins a new hitting streak along with Nomar Mazara, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Jurickson Profar is on a two-game hitting streak since his return to the majors just a few days ago. Jonathan Lucroy snaps his two-game hit-less streak, going 1-for-4. Adrian Beltre goes 2-for-4, including a three-run homer, extending his hitting streak to three games.

Speaking of Beltre, he’s now 23 hits away from reaching 3,000. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Beltre’s reaching of 5,000 total career bases makes him the 21st player in major-league history to reach this milestone. Furthermore, he’s the sixth player with 5,000 bases along with 600 career doubles and 450 home runs. At any rate, Beltre must continue. He’s very close to breaking more records after another.

Tyson Ross takes the mound for game two. Texas is looking to win their first series since their trip to New York late last month.