The Rangers lost the series opener by a final of 7-4 to the Seattle Mariners. There were errors committed and not enough runs scored which seems to be common place for the Rangers who now have a 10-15 record. Not to be a complete downer, I wanted to point out a couple of silver linings.
Kolby Allard
Got chased in the 1st inning. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 strikeout. The Rangers will have to make a move and put someone else in his place next time around. I don’t see him making his next start but who knows what the Rangers will decide. I’ve questioned a few of their roster decisions. I believe Allard would be best served at the alternate site.
Wes Benjamin was solid
Wes Benjamin, made his 2nd appearance of the season and gave the Rangers what they needed out of the pen. He pitched 4.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. He came into the game in the bottom of the 1st – after the Mariners already scored 4 runs- with 2 runners and 2 puts and struck out J.P. Crawford. Overall it was a good outing for him and didn’t let the game get out of hand.
Kyle Cody makes his presence known in MLB debut
Kyle Cody pitched the 8th inning and made sure people know his name. He struck out the side on 13 pitches – 9 for strikes. The first two batters, Braden Bishop and Joseph Odom each struck out looking. J.P. Crawford struck out swinging on a slider.
Their performance was needed tonight even though it didn’t go our way.
Swinging the bats
The Rangers scored 4 runs on 6 hits. The offense has seemed pretty lethargic and we haven’t been able to get multiple guys hot at the same time. Scott Heineman started the scoring for the Rangers with his double in the top of the 5th inning. That scored 2 runs for the Rangers.
In the top of the 6th, Danny Santana got a hold of his 1st home run of the year and then Rougie hit a sac fly that scored Gallo. That was the 4 runs the Rangers were able to produce.
Defensively the Rangers commited 3 errors. Only one of the Mariners runs was unearned.
what’s next?
Game two of the three game series will be Saturday at 8:10 PM CST.
The Rangers will send Jordan Lyles (1-2, 7.52) to the mound against left-handed pitcher Justus Sheffield (1-2, 4.12) for the Mariners.
