Texas Rangers Falter Late in Loss to Padres: One Big Takeaway

The Texas Rangers were coming off a late inning rally win as they hosted the Padres. However, late bullpen struggles saw them drop a close one at home.

The Texas Rangers were unable to build on momentum when they hosted the Padres on Tuesday. Texas lead San Diego late before a rough inning for Jake Diekman saw the Padres score the go ahead run. Here’s our one big takeaway from the 3-2 loss.

Jeff Banister May Be on the Hook for this One

Tonight seemed to be a case of late inning mismanagement by Jeff Banister. Texas headed into the 8th inning leading 2-0 with Jake Diekman taking over on the mound. Diekman walked the first batter he faced before getting Margot to pop out. With one out, one on, Eric Hosmer singled up the middle and put runners on the corners. Wil Myers jumped on the first he saw and roped an RBI double to cut the lead to 1. Now this is where many felt Jeff Banister should’ve pulled Diekman after he gave up a couple of hard hit balls and the go-ahead run was in scoring position. A mound visit was made but no move. Diekman then gave up a sac fly to tie the game before Hunter Renfroe hit a double that scored the go ahead run.

Clearly to a lot of fans, there seemed a point where a change should be made. Jose Leclerc was warming in the bullpen and has be among the best in the majors with holding inherited runners. However, only after opting to let Diekman face the next two hitters, did Banny decide to bring in Leclerc. Fans voiced their displeasure with the management in the 8th and felt that was what cost Texas the lead. This isn’t the first time Banister’s in-game management has been called into question and it certainly won’t be the last.

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In his postgame press conference, Banister gave some insight on his decision to leave Diekman in the game as he noted he hoped to not use Leclerc or Chris Martin tonight.

Recap

Texas was able to jump out to a 2-0 lead on the backs of two early solo homers from Rougned Odor and Robinson Chirinos. The rough 8th inning falter though saw Texas fall behind 3-2 and despite to 9th inning hits, the Rangers weren’t able to extend the game.

Shin-Soo Choo was able to extend his on-base streak to 39 games tonight when he got a 2-out single in the bottom of the 9th.

Notables

Wil Myers (SD) 2-4, 2B, RBI

Hunter Renfroe (SD) 1-3, 2B, RBI

Rougned Odor (TEX) 1-4, HR

Nomar Mazara (TEX) 3-5

WP: Matt Strahm (2-2) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 SO

LP: Jake Diekman (1-1) .2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, BB

SV: Brad Hand (22) 1 IP, 2 H, SO

Next: Adrian Beltre to the Philadelphia Phillies?

Next Game

The Texas Rangers and the Padres will be back at it tomorrow in the rubber match of this 3-game series. First pitch is set for 7:05 CT.