- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,257,468
- Reaction score
- 59
The Texas Rangers opened their series against the American League East Division-leading Tampa Bay Rays with a 4-1 win on Tuesday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Texas has now won four of its last five games. What led to success on Tuesday?
When it came to production on the mound, the Rangers were locked in.
Right-hander Cal Quantrill got the starting nod for Texas, and he kept Tampa Bay’s batting order in check for the most part. Until the bottom of the fourth inning, he did not allow a hit.
The Rays finally broke through against Quantrill in the bottom of the fourth when he gave up a single to Jonathan Aranda before allowing a subsequent double to Junior Caminero. Still, Quantrill and the Rangers' defense kept them from scoring.
In the bottom of the sixth, Quantrill allowed a one-out walk, and that ended his evening. Over 5.1 innings of work, he struck out seven batters while only giving up two hits, one earned run and a walk.
Manager Skip Schumaker chose to replace Quantrill with Peyton Gray, and Gray did allow a triple to Caminero that put Tampa Bay on the board, but it was the only time the Rays were able to strike.
Gray, Tyler Alexander, Jakob Junis, and Jacob Latz all took the mound in relief for the Rangers, and they did their jobs effectively. After Quantrill’s night ended, the foursome of bullpen arms combined for two strikeouts while only allowing three hits.
In the batter’s box, the Rangers were far from stellar, but they did enough to win.
Texas put up one run in the second and third innings, as well as the seventh and eighth, to get its victory. The Rangers only went 7-for-31 at the plate, but they made multiple opportunities count.
Center fielder Evan Carter had the most consistent bat of the evening as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Austin Wynns had the lone home run of the game from either team, which he belted to left field in the top of the seventh. It was also his first home run of the season.
The Rangers’ win over Tampa Bay adds more momentum to what has already been a good stretch of days for the club. To beat the best team in the AL after winning a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners in a crucial divisional matchup is exactly what this group needs to be accomplishing, especially in the second half of the season.
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Texas has now won four of its last five games. What led to success on Tuesday?
Strong pitching
When it came to production on the mound, the Rangers were locked in.
Right-hander Cal Quantrill got the starting nod for Texas, and he kept Tampa Bay’s batting order in check for the most part. Until the bottom of the fourth inning, he did not allow a hit.
The Rays finally broke through against Quantrill in the bottom of the fourth when he gave up a single to Jonathan Aranda before allowing a subsequent double to Junior Caminero. Still, Quantrill and the Rangers' defense kept them from scoring.
In the bottom of the sixth, Quantrill allowed a one-out walk, and that ended his evening. Over 5.1 innings of work, he struck out seven batters while only giving up two hits, one earned run and a walk.
Manager Skip Schumaker chose to replace Quantrill with Peyton Gray, and Gray did allow a triple to Caminero that put Tampa Bay on the board, but it was the only time the Rays were able to strike.
Gray, Tyler Alexander, Jakob Junis, and Jacob Latz all took the mound in relief for the Rangers, and they did their jobs effectively. After Quantrill’s night ended, the foursome of bullpen arms combined for two strikeouts while only allowing three hits.
Enough offense
In the batter’s box, the Rangers were far from stellar, but they did enough to win.
Texas put up one run in the second and third innings, as well as the seventh and eighth, to get its victory. The Rangers only went 7-for-31 at the plate, but they made multiple opportunities count.
Center fielder Evan Carter had the most consistent bat of the evening as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Austin Wynns had the lone home run of the game from either team, which he belted to left field in the top of the seventh. It was also his first home run of the season.
The Rangers’ win over Tampa Bay adds more momentum to what has already been a good stretch of days for the club. To beat the best team in the AL after winning a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners in a crucial divisional matchup is exactly what this group needs to be accomplishing, especially in the second half of the season.
Join the Community
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
