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The Texas Rangers did not score a run whilst the Anaheim Angels scored five runs.
It was a sloppy affair in the finale for the Rangers as they commited two errors which contributed to two unearned Angels runs. A wild pitch also brought in another run for Anaheim. That’s unfortunate since perhaps the best thing about this 2021 Texas Rangers squad has been their better than average defense.
It’s also unfortunate that an untimely disheveled look from the defense came with Spencer Howard making his Rangers debut. Howard was never long for this one regardless and ultimately ended up leaving after 2 1⁄3 innings with three runs allowed on three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.
Nevertheless, you could see why Howard has been highly thought of as a prospect and why the Rangers made him a target at the deadline. Howard’s stuff flashed plus throughout his limited 45-pitch outing and his fastball velo was in the 94-95 range (though dropping to 92 when he ran into trouble in the third).
The rest of the season will be able getting Howard comfortable as a starter again and helping him find that routine that will allow him to make use of his plus stuff in longer outings.
As for now, however, the Rangers have dropped this four-game set to the hated Angels.
Player of the Game: We’ll go with Jharel Cotton, who tossed a spotless inning of relief with a couple of strikeouts.
Up Next: The Rangers are off to the west coast for a series against the Oakland Athletics beginning on Friday night. RHP Mike Foltynewicz will make the start for Texas against RHP Chris Bassitt for Oakland. First pitch in the opener from Oakland Coliseum is scheduled for 8:40 pm CT.
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