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The new guys tonight:
- Jonathan Lucroy hit his first dinger as a Ranger.
- Carlos Beltran went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
- Jeremy Jeffress made his debut and pitched a scoreless 7th inning and even induced a double play to prove he belong.
A.J. Griffin survived three solo home runs as the bullpen came in and tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings. The offense was addicted to doubles as Shin-Soo Choo, Delino DeShields, Beltran, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, and Rougned Odor each hit two-baggers as Texas came away with a win.
Texas concluded the season-series with Baltimore with a 4-3 record. Texas will also remain at least 5 1/2 games ahead of the Houston Astros and know they will maintain at least a 2 1/2 game lead in the American League West after this weekend.
Player of the Game: Choo returned to the lineup and added a spark to the top of the lineup. When Choo is healthy and in the lineup, he's a big part of this team and that proved correct again tonight as Choo went 2-for-5 with a run scored. It's easy to forget, with an oft-injured 2016 season, but Choo carried the offense in the second half last season with a 1.016 OPS. If Choo can stay off the DL, the Rangers truly do have a dangerous lineup.
Up Next: The Rangers begin a big three-game series in Houston against the Astros with Martin Perez on the mound against LHP Dallas Keuchel. First pitch from Minute Maid is scheduled for 7:10 pm CT.