Texas Rangers collect first 2021 win, momentum ahead of home opener

It was a happy Easter indeed for Texas Rangers fans, and not just because the chocolate supply was streaming in.

The Rangers defeated the KC Royals 7-3 on Sunday in the series finale between the two teams. The win is Texas’ first of 2021 after successfully avoiding a sweep to begin the season.

It was a sound, team-oriented victory for the club, as they received, by far, their best pitching performance of the season to date from tandem pairing Jordan Lyles (5.2 innings, two runs, eight strikeouts) and Wes Benjamin (2.1 innings pitched, three strikeouts).

Ian Kennedy closed out the contest despite giving up a run, striking out two to end it.

On the offensive side, the Texas Rangers continued their hot hitting, scoring seven runs including mammoth home runs from Nate Lowe and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the latter of whom had a three-hit, three-RBI game.

The Texas Rangers had the bats going and the pitching humming in their first win of 2021.

Lowe and IKF combined for six of the team’s seven runs in the win.

The Rangers will face the Royals again at home in a series from June 25-27.

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Finally, the Rangers found a formula that worked, as the pitching staff was able to support a lineup that has surprised people three games in with their ability to get on base and score runs.

Of course, the pitching remains a concern despite their strong showing on Sunday. One good outing won’t erase the nightmares of the first two games of the year.

The Texas Rangers will travel back to Arlington to open up the home portion of their schedule Monday.

Still, the Texas Rangers find themselves at 1-2 heading into their home opener at Globe Life Field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, where the team is expected to host a record crowd and where Mike Foltynewicz will be making his Rangers debut on the mound.

That’s the kind of momentum that will drive fans out to the ballpark to watch their team play.

In essence, the Rangers’ first win of the season was perfect timing: an added bonus to a joyful holiday and some much-needed momentum heading into a tough home stand that sees the team facing the Blue Jays and the San Diego Padres.