79-68 - Mariners a thorn in Rangers side as Texas drops opener

The difference in this game ended up being the Mariners coming through with two, two-out hits in the 3rd inning off of Yovani Gallardo to go up 3-0 while the Rangers had runners in scoring position in three of the first five innings and were able to plate only one run. That run came on a bases loaded walk so the Rangers put up a big 0-fer as far as hitting with RISP.

It was a stark difference from what we saw from the Rangers against the Astros this week. Every team seems to have that one team that just cannot solve and it seems the Mariners are that team for the Rangers this year.

As for Gallardo, he ended up failing to pitch past the 6th inning (he went just five inning tonight) for the 15th consecutive start and might just be pitching himself out of a playoff rotation spot (if the Rangers reach the postseason *fingers crossed*).

Hey, the good news is the Astros also lost so the magic number goes down!

Player of the Game: Shin-Soo Choo continues to reach base going 3-4 on the night. Unlike the Houston series, however, the Rangers weren't able to drive him in.