Texas Rangers: Regarding Last Night’s Game

The Texas Rangers take game one of their final series against Seattle. This win surprisingly puts them 3.5 games back in the wild-card standings. Just three days ago, they were 5.0 games back. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that the Minnesota Twins have lost two straight. Also, the Angels who are 2.0 games ahead have also lost two straight. Perhaps if the Angels and Twins continue to come up short, then a miracle may be coming to the Rangers.

The Texas Rangers have 12 games to go. They’re very lucky to all of a sudden go from 5.0 games to 3.5 games back. However, as far as earning a playoff spot goes, it’s still a long shot in the dark. Regardless, they need to continue to win and again, hope that the Angels and Twins come up short.

The Rangers are on a two-game winning streak for the first time in over two weeks. Last night’s 3-1 victory came out of desperation. Especially since they’re still fighting for a playoff spot.

More from Texas Rangers News

• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter
• Is a six-man rotation in the Texas Rangers’ near future?

Martin Perez stepped on the mound. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four hits, one run, and striking out four batters. He would go on to earn a no-decision. Regardless, he’s still playing well and he played a lot better than he did in his last game, which was against Seattle where he suffered a loss, snapping his seven-game winning streak.

The bullpen dominated. Pitching a shutout, allowing just two hits, though only striking out one batter. Tony Barnette was given the win and Alex Claudio earned his ninth save.

Bats finishing 10-for-34, striking out seven times is not bad, but in this case, it was enough to win. Delino Deshields, Adrian Beltre, and Elvis Andrus each had multiple hits in this game. Carlos Gomez appeared as a pinch hitter and it was his double in the eighth inning that sparked the Rangers’ opportunity to score game-deciding runs, which did happen. This was Gomez’s first appearance at a plate since September 9th as he’s been dealing with an ankle sprain. He appeared as a pinch hitter. Bats were okay, but could have been better.

Andrew Cashner steps on the mound for Texas tonight. He’s squaring off against Felix Hernandez. Cashner is 9-10 and is 2-1 in his last four starts.