Texas Rangers Make Statement in Victory Over Halos

It wasn’t a pretty series, but the Texas Rangers won two of three games against the Angels. It was an interesting finale and one we should not forget anytime soon.

On Sunday the Texas Rangers entered play four games back of the American League Wild Card. The team rallied together to pull away with a 7-6 victory on Sunday to put themselves just three games behind the Twins in the Wild Card.

Taking two of three games is always good, but especially against the Angels. A team the Rangers likely need to pass in order to get into the postseason. What did we see on Sunday that was so memorable?

To start the performance from Martin Perez was an interesting one to say the least. Perez lasted six innings allowing just three runs and earned his sixth victory in a row. In his last six starts Perez has a 3.15 ERA which is the best of his career.

It was not an easy win for Perez on Sunday as he threw 117 pitches to the Angels. He earned his paycheck and his 11th win of the season, and the Rangers are hopeful this streak he has going continues throughout September.

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The Angels were threatening in the sixth, but Will Middlebrooks saved the day. He was recalled to help fill in while Adrian Beltre is on the disabled list. On Sunday, Middlebrooks wasted little time making an impact, and potentially saved the game with an outstanding leaping catch.

The Rangers defense wasn’t the only exciting part of Sunday’s game. Veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus crushed two home runs and collected three RBIs in the victory. Those two home runs now give Andrus 18 on the season which is by far his career best.

The unlikely heroes of Robinson Chirinos and Delino DeShields went back-to-back in this game. That marked the fourth time this season that the Rangers have hit back-to-back jacks in a single game.

Coming into the game Chirinos had just three home runs in 32 games since the All-Star break. It was even more rare for DeShields who had just three long balls all season long. It’s safe to say that the Rangers are getting help from everyone in the lineup.

The bullpen could have been better for Texas, but they got the job done. Reliever Tony Barnette surrendered three runs, but was able to escape the game with a save. This marked his second save of the season, but he didn’t make it easy to watch for Rangers fans.

Next: 3 Rangers That Could Get Better in 2018

On Monday the Rangers will kick off a series against the Braves in Atlanta. Veteran Andrew Cashner will get the ball for Texas who is 5-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his last nine starts. The Rangers were able to win a wild game on Sunday, and can hopefully spark a winning streak.

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