After an abhorrent end to the month of July, the Texas Rangers have been the hottest team in baseball since the trade deadline. They are 8-1 through the month of August, and despite what many would say, they look like the favorites to go all the way in the American League. They started the month off with a sweep of the Chicago White Sox, then did the same to the Miami Marlins. This week, they have been on their own version of the Western Swing, taking their traveling run-maker on the road to face the Oakland Athletics. Dane Dunning got the start in game one. In six innings, he struck out six and gave up three runs on five hits. The Rangers came back to win the game 5-3.
Scherzer Leads The Way For Rangers Dominant Week
Max Scherzer made his second start for the team on Tuesday and was in beautiful form. He pitched seven innings, striking out six, and only allowing one run. Behind Scherzer, the Rangers’ offense showed why it has consistently been the best in baseball this year. Corey Seager went three for four, being just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. The Rangers won 6-0 behind Scherzer’s impressive performance.
After eight straight wins, the offense was a bit quiet on Wednesday. Jordan Montgomery got the start, and had a very quality outing, giving up only two runs on seven hits. He also got five strikeouts. “Definitely a grindy game,” he told reporters. “It was kind of an uphill battle every inning, but I made pitches when I needed to and did my best.” Only four Rangers players got hits, but no one got more than one, and the team was shut out for just the eighth time this season, and the first time since July 29.
What Lies Ahead
Win No. 69 #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/LAGm1f6v6l
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 12, 2023
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The team now heads across the bay for a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Rangers fans will always remember the loss they suffered to the Giants in the 2010 World Series. While this Giants team certainly looks different, they are not a team to be taken lightly. The Rangers will face both of the Giants’ top pitchers this weekend. Alex Cobb (Saturday’s starter) boasts a 3.30 ERA, and Logan Webb (Sunday’s starter) is right behind him at 3.38.
A Reason For Hope
The Rangers still have a lead of two and a half games over the second-place Houston Astros. With three of the team’s 2023 All-Stars, catcher Jonah Heim, third basemen Josh Jung, and pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, on the injured list, it will fall to many of the young players to keep the momentum going. Heim could be back as early as next week when the Rangers will take on the Los Angeles Angels at home. That would certainly bolster the offense since Heim currently leads the team in batting average.
The Rangers still have a lot going for them, and look like the real thing going into the last two months of the season. Even though the D/FW area hasn’t seen any significant rain in several weeks, the Rangers have reason to believe that their championship drought could be in danger of ending.
Main photo credits:
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Dane Dunning, Max Scherzer, Corey Seager, Jordan Montgomery, Alex Cobb, Logan Webb, Jonah Heim, Josh Jung, Nathan Eovaldi
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