The Rangers were able to salvage the final game of their six-game road trip to both New York and Chicago holding on to win 5-4. And the biggest offensive contributor to the win was Rangers' newcomer Jake Burger, who continues to be the team's most potent and consistent force at the plate.
Jake Burger's exit velo on his homer was nearly 115 miles per hour
In the win, Burger pummeled a two-run 423-foot homer, ten rows deep into the left-center field bleachers, giving the Rangers an early 2-0 lead. At 114.7 mph exit velocity, it was the hardest hit ball off a Ranger bat this season, according to Statcast.
Later, in the top of the ninth, Burger was clutch again, delivering a double down the third base line that set the Rangers up with runners at second and third with nobody out. Burger would come around to score the go-ahead run on Adolis Garcia's big double into the gap in left-center.
Burger has been the Rangers most consistent hitter over the last two weeks
Burger ended the day going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Since his recall from Triple-A Round Rock on May 12, Burger has been the Rangers most productive hitter, going 14-48 (.292) with four homers and nine RBI. For the season, Burger is up to seven long balls and 21 RBIs while lifting his average from below the Mendoza line to a more respectable .223.
Burger's resurgence has been most welcomed as the offense continues to struggle with runners in scoring position and pushing runs across the plate.
Burger will look to remain the Rangers' hottest hitter when the club returns to Globe Life Field on May 26, when they will face Kevin Gausman and the Toronto Blue Jays. Maybe a home-cooked meal and a return to their own beds can stave off the idea that the Rangers should consider becoming sellers in front of the trade deadline.