Texas Rangers: Mike Minor outduels David Price in 11-5 win; Game Notes and Analysis

The Texas Rangers take game one of a four-game set against the Boston Red Sox. Texas improves to 13-20 on the season.

Thursday night’s opening series game against the Boston Red Sox did not appear favorable on paper; however, the Texas Rangers took care of business on the field. A team effort on offense resulted in 11 runs, seven off David Price. Alongside, Mike Minor contained an intimidating Red Sox offense, allowing three runs in six innings pitched.

Game Notes & Analysis

Nomar Mazara and Jurickson Profar stay hot

Mazara went 2-for-5 with a home run and 5 RBI. It was his 5th homer of the season and his second in as many days. The home run at-bat was a beauty, but it wasn’t his most impressive AB on the night.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning with two outs and two men on base, Mazara found himself in an 0-2 count against David Price. Price tried to sneak a high fastball by him, but Mazara lined it down the left field line to give the Rangers a 4-1 lead. “The Big Chill” continues to rake against left-handed pitchers in 2018. Heck, he continues to rake altogether.

Jurickson Profar got the Texas Rangers on the board with an RBI triple in the 2nd inning. He finished the night 1-for-2 with an RBI, two runs scored and two walks. Profar is now hitting .412 and slugging .765 from the right side of the plate. He’s also tied for the team lead with 14 walks.

Mike Minor continues to impress

Mike Minor earned his 3rd win of the season. He now leads the team in W’s. The top offense in baseball threatened against Minor throughout the night, though, they were unable to breakthrough.

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The lefty gave up a solo home run to Mookie Betts (something every pitcher does) in the 3rd and allowed two runs in the 4th. He then put up zeros in the 5th and 6th frames. Despite giving up seven hits and three walks, Mike Minor ended the night with a quality start and a comfortable win (thanks to the offense).

He is showing off his repertoire and is winning against tough opponents, conquering the Toronto Blue Jays twice and now the Boston Red Sox. Continued encouraging efforts from Minor are needed in order to aid a primarily struggling rotation.

Next Game Details

-Friday night, game 2 of the 4-game series against Boston

-7:05 CT first pitch

–Bartolo Colon vs. Rick Porcello

A series win against Boston would work wonders for the Texas Rangers and their climb back to a .500 record. They will face Chris Sale in the Sunday finale so it’s preferred they find a way to win Friday and Saturday night.

Next: Gallo and Mazara are taking over

Texas’ next series is at home against a lackluster Detroit Tigers team. Three out of four against the Red Sox would spark some much-needed momentum. And perhaps the Rangers can sweep the Tigers to get back to relevancy in the AL West.