Last night’s game was frustrating because the Rangers could have moved above .500 for the first time since June with a win against a terrible White Sox team and instead they lost by a run in a game started by not-so-Big Game James Shields.
The loss meant Texas missed a chance to move to within a half of a game of a Wild Card spot, as well.
Cue to about 15 minutes into tonight’s game and Martin Perez was already at 40 pitches and was down 5-0 and it was starting to look like the best the Rangers could hope for in this series was a tie.
For a team that’s looking to pass like five other teams in the Wild Card standings, no matter how close the whole group is bunched up, that’s unacceptable against a White Sox team that’s trying their darnedest to “win” the No. 1 pick in next summer’s draft.
Cue to like an hour later and the Ranger were up like 13-5 after finally getting the message that they were playing a team that’s 46-74 and starting like three guys you’ve ever heard of in their lineup.
A big thanks to Derek Holland for the assist tonight in his first start in Arlington as an opponent. No thanks to the Orioles, Rays, and Diamondbacks who let the Angels, Mariners, and Twins beat them tonight to keep the Rangers from advancing in the standings.
However, the Royals, Orioles, Rays, and Blue Jays all lost so Texas moved little bit further ahead of would be usurpers in the dumbest Wild Card race of all time.
Player of the Game:
Seriously. Every Ranger in the starting lineup had at least two hits except for Joey Gallo and he walked thrice. Rougned Odor, Mike Napoli, and Shin-Soo Choo each hit a three-run dong apiece with Rougie adding a solo shot to his night.
Heck, even Drew Robinson had a hit and he came in to spell Adrian Beltre on defense to start the eighth inning.
Up Next: The Rangers close out this series and homestand against these White Sox with a chance to once again move back above .500. Texas will turn to A.J. Griffin to make the start with RHP Miguel Gonzalez set to pitch for Chicago. First pitch of the getaway game is scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.