:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50458893/usa-today-9487580.0.jpg)
The Rangers won today 6-2 over the Tampa Bay Rays in the first meeting between these two teams in 2016. A score of 6-2 shows that this was an imperfect game but it really was unblemished as far as I'm concerned.
Cole Hamels was dominant. He took a no-hitter into the 6th and eventually struck out 10 Rays batters while looking impatient with the very idea that those guys would even stand in the box against him.
Adrian Beltre hit two home runs because he likes his multiple-dinger games at The Trop.
Elvis Andrus scored from first base on a ground ball single to centerfield because he likes to run wild at The Trop.
Mitch Moreland also hit a home run to get the scoring started for Texas, while Jurickson Profar, Ian Desmond, and Nomar Mazara each collected RBIs.
The Rangers won back-to-back games by greater than four runs for the first time since June 25 and 26 in Boston and just their fourth such game since the beginning of July.
Handball gif of the day:
Player of the Game: Hamels 7 1/3 innings and didn't give up his first hit until there were two outs in the 5th inning. At that point, the Rangers already led 5-0. By the end of his time on the hill, Hamels allowed three total hits, a run, and struck out 10 Rays. That Yu Darvish/Cole Hamels tandem is going to be a monster in October.
Up Next: The Rangers and Rays play again tomorrow with A.J. Griffin facing off against former trade target RHP Jake Odorizzi. First pitch from St. Pete is scheduled for 5:10 pm CT.