Winning a series in your home ballpark is crucial in terms of momentum for a team. It is especially satisfying when it is a series against your division rivals. This week, however, it was not to be as fans watched the Texas Rangers lose a three-game series to their rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. As of Wednesday evening, the season series between these two clubs stands at 3-3. They will meet up for 16 more games before the calendar flips to October, signaling the end of the 2021 regular season. History suggests that the series will tip in the Angels’ favor, as they tend to have good luck against the Rangers. Time will tell, however. Until then, here is a recap of this week’s series in Arlington.
Plenty of Fireworks
Monday was the only night that the roof was open at Globe Life Field during this series. The nice weather, however, didn’t work in the Rangers’ favor. They would go on to lose that game by a final score of 9-4. First baseman Nate Lowe continued to swing the bat well, as he belted a three-run home run off of Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani with one out in the first inning. That brings Lowe’s home run total for the season to six to go along with his 21 RBI. The fireworks from Lowe’s home run were loud, but not loud enough to get the win. Left-fielder Justin Upton, first baseman Albert Pujols, and shortstop Jose Iglesias each hit home runs for the Angels. Rangers’ starter Jordan Lyles took the loss after pitching only 2 2/3 innings. His record now stands at 1-2 on the season.
Home Cooking
Things got better for the Rangers on Tuesday evening. They walked out of Globe Life Field at the end of the night with a 6-1 victory. This was a night in which playing in front of their home crowd, limited as it was, paid off. From the way that they played that night, it didn’t seem possible that the Rangers would go on to lose this series. Rangers righty Mike Foltynewicz had perhaps his best start to date. He pitched 5 1/3 innings while giving up just the one earned run. It looks even more impressive considering that he gave up eight hits during his outing. He also struck out four and took the win, bringing his record to 1-3. Second baseman Nick Solak contributed in a big way with two home runs. Right-fielder Joey Gallo also hit one over the fence in the winning effort.
Falling Flat in the Finale
Wednesday’s finale against the Halos brought more heartache for the Rangers. Despite pitching five innings, right-hander Dane Dunning took the loss. That would bring his record to 1-1. He gave up all four of the Angels’ runs that night, prompting manager Chris Woodward to replace him in the sixth inning with lefty Kolby Allard. Woodward would also use righty Josh Sborz before the evening was over as well. Neither team hit a single home run in the finale. The Rangers may have lost this series, but they begin another one against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at Globe Life Field at 7:05 PM CDT. This is a four-game series. In the opener, Boston will send lefty Martin Perez to the mound, and the Rangers will counter with right-hander Kyle Gibson.
“Main Photo”
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Players Mentioned:
Nate Lowe, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton, Albert Pujols, Jose Iglesias, Jordan Lyles, Mike Foltynewicz, Nick Solak, Joey Gallo, Dane Dunning, Kolby Allard, Josh Sborz, Martin Perez, Kyle Gibson
