Welcome back, 2002 Rangers
The Texas Rangers scored eight runs but the Anaheim Angels scored eleven runs.
The all hit, no pitch Rangers that we’ve known and begrudgingly loved our whole lives showed up tonight. In a season filled with frustrating losses, at least we were pumped full of nostalgia in this latest let down.
The Rangers scoring eight runs would have won like 95% of games this season. Not this one, though. Leads of 1-0, 5-4, and 8-6 weren’t good enough as the pitching grabbed the baton for a turn crapping the bed.
After several solid outings in a row, tonight’s starter Kumar Rocker allowed six runs in less than five innings and the bullpen didn’t fare much better. Luke Jackson in particular looked worn out while allowing three eighth inning runs that proved the difference.
On the bright side, the Rangers did score eight runs which has sometimes been a whole week’s worth of runs for this year’s club.
Player of the Game: Marcus Semien drove in four runs and hit the two-run home run in the seventh that looked like it would propel the Rangers to victory before the bullpen collapsed.
Up Next: The Rangers and Angels close out this four-game set in the middle of the night again as LHP Patrick Corbin will take the hill for Texas in the finale opposite RHP Jack Kochanowicz for the Orange County squad.
The Thursday first pitch from Angel Stadium is again scheduled for 8:38 pm CT and will again be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.