Texas Rangers Showing Life in Huge Victory Over Mets
![ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 01: Joey Gallo (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fnolanwritin-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F08-2F825380102-seattle-mariners-v-texas-rangers-jpg-850x560-8b36e7c14995182904e395f6b556e088.jpg)
The Texas Rangers have taken a hit in the standings since the All-Star break. The team looked like they had new life on Wednesday, and might not be out of the playoff race just yet.
On Wednesday the Texas Rangers pounded the New York Mets and finished with a 3-3 road trip. The team is now just four games out of the American League Wild Card spot. What has changed for Texas, and will this carry over into next series?
The Rangers handed the ball to Martin Perez on Wednesday. The young lefty has been struggling all season, but looked like a new man against the Mets. He didn’t allow a hit until the fifth and went eight innings with one run allowed on 89 pitches.
Heading into Wednesday’s game Perez was 5-10 with a 5.46 ERA this season. The team has been anxiously waiting for Perez to step up this season. He was destroyed in his last outing, but has made great strides and hopefully can stay consistent.
On the other side of the ball, slugger Joey Gallo continues to crush long balls. Gallo hit his seventh home run in eight games in Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over the Mets. After that game Gallo is hitting .212 with 32 home runs and 61 RBI this season.
It was an all-around great game for the Rangers, and gives fans hope that this season might not be over just yet. The red-hot bat of Joey Gallo could light a fire under this offense, and bring this team back to life.
The Rangers will start a 10-game homestand on Friday against the first place Houston Astros. Lefty Cole Hamels will get the start as Texas looks to creep back into the playoff race.