There is no better feeling than breaking a losing streak. Such was the case on Tuesday evening as the bats came to life for the Texas Rangers. In a much-needed win that brought them to within three games of .500, the Rangers managed to drive in eight runs on 13 hits against the Tampa Bay Rays, at Tropicana Field. The final score was 8-3. It was an especially satisfying win for the fans as they settled in to see their Rangers beat the Rays in an effort that would snap a four-game skid. This solid offensive display brings the Rangers’ record to 4-7 on the young season.
Patience at the Plate
Rangers hitting coach Luis Ortiz felt that there was some work to do. After Monday’s 1-0 loss to these Rays, he preached patience to his hitters. One could even compare the process of hitting to gardening. With the right amount of soil, care, and water, good results will eventually come. The Rangers took this to heart, and thus planted the seeds that would put an end to their 22-inning scoreless streak. Second baseman Nick Solak got things started in the fourth inning with a two-run double. Third baseman Charlie Culberson also had a good evening as he went 3-for-4 with a home run, and three RBI.
Strong Pitching
Rangers starter Kyle Gibson did his part to keep the Rays in check. Gibson went seven innings and allowed only two runs, only one of them earned, on four hits. He also walked two and struck out three. He looked a lot more relaxed in this start compared to his previous outings. That could have been a contributing factor. His composure on the mound translated into composure at the plate to get him the run support that helped the Rangers beat the Rays.
Up Next
The Rays and Rangers are right back at it for a 7:10 PM EDT start in Game three of this four-game set on Wednesday night. Right-hander Kohei Arihara will get the ball for the Rangers, and lefty Josh Fleming has been called up to make his season debut for the Rays.
“Main Photo”
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Nick Solak, Charlie Culberson, Kyle Gibson, Kohei Arihara, Josh Fleming
