Rangers 3, White Sox 2
ARLINGTON, Texas, Aug 4 — The Texas Rangers were able to squeak out a win on Thursday against the Chicago White Sox by a final score of 3–2. The Rangers bounced back nicely from their recent sweep by the Baltimore Orioles earlier in the week by taking the first game in their current series. Neither team had a home run to their credit, but key hits by Leody Taveras and Meibrys Viloria were enough to secure the victory.
Nathaniel Lowe doubled in each of his first two plate appearances on Thursday to extend his career-best 11-game hitting streak, matching the longest hit streak by a Ranger this season. Fans are hoping that this momentum will carry over into the middle game of this series. That game is set for Friday evening. Right-hander Dylan Cease (11–4, 2.01 ERA) will be on the mound for the White Sox. The Rangers will counter with righty Glenn Otto (4–7, 5.50 ERA).
Rangers and Sox Play Small Ball
The Rangers and White Sox kept the ball on the ground all evening on Thursday evening. Neither team had a home run to their credit. The Rangers scored first in the bottom of the second inning. First baseman Nathaniel Lowe was able to score on an RBI single to centerfield by Leody Taveras. The White Sox tied it in the top of the third inning. Right-fielder Andrew Vaughn reached base on a fielder’s choice. This allowed Luis Robert to score. The score would stay tied until the bottom of the seventh inning. Moments after everyone sat down from the stretch, the Rangers took the lead.
Meibrys Viloria, who came in as a pinch-hitter for Elier Hernandez, drove in Leody Taveras with a single to center field. Later in the inning, The Rangers took a 3–1 lead on a sacrifice fly by Marcus Semien. Ezequiel Duran scored from third base on the play. The White Sox scored their second and final run of the night in the top of the eighth inning. Jose Abreu scored on an RBI triple by Yoan Moncada. This is where Rangers fans got a little nervous. They have always fared well in one-run games, but they pulled through on Thursday evening
Rangers Pitching Notes
Right-hander Cole Ragans got the start for the Rangers on Thursday. The 24-year old was making his major league debut, and he did well, considering that he was most likely a ball of nerves. Ragans pitched five innings, and gave up only one run, which was unearned, on three hits. He also walked four, and struck out three. He took the no-decision in his effort. Brock Burke got the winning decision for the Rangers on Thursday night. Burke pitched two innings, and only gave up one hit. He also struck out four batters. His record for the 2022 season now sits at 6–2, with an ERA of 1.13.
Jonathan Hernandez pitched the ninth inning, and got the save for the Rangers. It was his second save of the year. He also had two strikeouts. Johnny Cueto took the loss for the White Sox on Thursday. He pitched eight innings. Cueto gave up three runs, all earned, on eleven hits. He also struck four. His record for 2022 now sits at 4–5, with an ERA of 2.91. Texas snapped a three-game losing streak with its’ first win of August and first on this home stand.
Main Photo:
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Players Mentioned:
Leody Taveras, Meibrys Viloria, Nathaniel Lowe, Dylan Cease, Glenn Otto, Andrew Vaughn, Luis Robert, Elier Hernandez, Marcus Semien, Ezequiel Duran, Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada, Cole Ragans, Brock Burke, Jonathan Hernandez
