3-7 - Rangers squander four-run windfall in 6-4 loss to A’s

Shin-Soo Choo likes his first pitches in the Bay Area, apparently. For the second time on this trip, the Rangers’ leadoff left fielder swatted the first pitch he saw into the seats to give the Rangers an instant lead.

Just like in San Francisco, however, the Rangers couldn’t make enough use of the first moment advantage as they tossed away another opportunity to pick up a win after ultimately blowing a 4-2 lead in the later innings.

I’d write out the details but this Rangers Groundhog Day is depressing enough just watching it live without the emotional trauma of having to write words like: “Ian Gibaut allowed a two-run, go-ahead home run to No. 9 hitter Austin Allen.”

Player of the Game: Hard luck no decisions and losses look like they will be a fact of life for Texas Rangers starting pitchers in 2020. Tonight, Kyle Gibson earned the former even though he went six innings and struck out nine while walking two and allowing just four hits.

The problem is, you see, Gibson also allowed three runs which makes for a really solid outing normally but is also more runs than the Rangers have scored in six of their now ten games.

Luckily for Gibson, one of those outliers was tonight so he wasn’t saddled with a loss but, since Oakland came back on the saggy, loose underbelly of the Texas bullpen, he’s stuck without a win yet as a Ranger.

Up Next: The Rangers and Athletics close out this series with Mike Minor looking to pick up his first win of the season against RHP Mike Fiers for Oakland. Thursday’s finale from Oakland Coliseum is scheduled for 2:40 pm CT.