17-17 - Rangers wake up just in time to beat Pirates 9-6

This game seemed like it was going to be another boring affair where the only joy we’d recieve in yet another loss to the Pirates, from a game that started before noon, was another majestic Joey Gallo homer.

The Rangers trailed 6-2 with two out in the top of the 8th and it looked like Pittsburgh was nearing an inscrutable season and series sweep of Texas when a rally was mounted to load the bases and that bizarre Tasmanian Devil-looking weirdo Hunter Pence stepped up to the plate and cranked a pinch hit grand slam to tie the dang game.

Texas scored three more in the top of the 9th — with Isiah Kiner-Falefa doubling in the game winner and Rougned Odor providing the insurance with a two-run blast — and came away with a very unlikely, but very fun, 9-6 series-salvaging victory.

Player of the Game: Pence’s grand slam literally changed the outcome to today’s game but he saw just one pitch all day. Gallo hit his own home run, a monster two-run shot, for the 100th dong of his career.

Aside from that, Gallo also reached thrice more via bases on balls while playing center field and stealing a base for good measure. Gallo is now slashing a rather ridiculous .274/.426/.679. Gallo’s 1.106 OPS is second in the American League and he’s drawing walks at a 21.3% clip.

Up Next: The Rangers make their first trip to Minute Maid Park to open a series against the Astros with Mike Minor set to pitch for Texas against a currently to be determined hurler for Houston. Thursday night’s scheduled first pitch is set for 7:10 pm CT.