11-17 - Leody and Lynn help Rangers end losing streak with 3-2 win over A’s

It is a little tongue-in-cheek to claim Leody Taveras as a reason that the Texas Rangers ended their eight-game losing streak in this particular contest as the headline insinuates.

After all, Leody only contributed a single for his first big league hit and that did not score a run. Later, however, Leody drew a full count walk against Jesus Luzardo to knock the talented A’s hurler out of the game.

That walk also did not account for any runs but it was more the message and intent that saw the Rangers send Taveras to center field and drop him in the leadoff spot in the lineup in his first career start.

This is a new era. Leody is the center fielder. Jose Trevino is the catcher. Nick Solak is in the lineup. Jonathan Hernandez is dominating as the fireman of the bullpen. The Rangers are seeing what they’ve got with Isiah Kiner-Falefa — who hit his first career oppo home run tonight — and Scott Heineman.

The facade of an abortive attempt to contend has been lifted. Now the Rangers might actually be able to accomplish something this season.

Ironic, of course, when the actual reason the Rangers won tonight was because the game was started by Lance Lynn and Lance Lynn might not be here for much longer.

Lynn wasn’t quite as sharp with his four-seamer early on tonight which gave him problems in the first couple innings and ran his pitch count up but the burly bearded righty finished with a line of 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 8 Ks against the top team in the American League to move his record to 4-0 on the year in what very well could be the final start of his tenure in Texas.

Indeed, it’s a new day.

Player of the Game:

Up Next: The Rangers will pin their hopes of starting a winning streak on Kyle Gibson as the Texas lineup will battle RHP Sean Manaea and the A’s. Tuesday’s first pitch from The Shed is scheduled for 7:05 pm CT.