75-76 - Hope dares to blossom even inside the abyss: Rangers win 8-6

The Orioles, Rays, Mariners, Royals, Rangers, Angels, and Twins are the seven teams currently leading or within five games of the second Wild Card in the American League. Currently, in the last ten games, those seven teams have a combined record of 25-45.

The hottest team, the team with the longest winning streak of the seven, the Texas Rangers with their three game winning streak, are 4-6 in their last ten games.

The teams ahead of Texas, the Twins and Angels are a combined 8-12.

In their last four days, the Rangers have gained three games on the Twins and trail in the American League standings by just 2.5 games. Four days ago, the Rangers came into the day on a five game losing streak.

Maybe, just maybe, the American League is just bad enough...

Player of the Game: Rougned Odor hit a grand slam. He’s probably been the worst everyday player in baseball this season but he’s hit 30 home runs and his 30th tonight gave the Rangers a huge lead to work with.

That’s the thing that will be remembered about this game but the more encouraging thing happened in his next plate appearance when he worked a legit walk in a 12-pitch battle.

Up Next: The Rangers close out this series and the season set with the Mariners looking for a sweep of Seattle with Cole Hamels on the mound. The M’s will counter with their ace LHP James Paxton. First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 pm CT.