The Rangers really can’t afford to stop their losing streak but that’s exactly what happened on tonight with the roof open at Globe Life Field. The Mariners got the best of Rangers pitching and Ranger killer, Kyle Seager hit a grand slam. The final was 10-2 and the Rangers are now 6-9 with 45 games left to play. This is supposed to be the easy part of the schedule for the Rangers but their record doesn’t necessarily indicate that. They face the Colorado Rockies next after a day off on Thursday.
On the mound
Kyle Gibson got the start for the Rangers against the Mariners (7-11). So far this year, Gibson has been a good free agent signing for the Rangers. Prior to tonight’s game he had a 0-1 record with a 2.45 earned run average.
The first couple of innings for Gibson went fine. In the 3rd and 4th innings he threw a total of 48 pitches and allowed a run. I will say I didnt watch the whole game. Parent duties. But some of his pitches weren’t missing by much. He ended up oitching 4.1 innings allowing 4 runs on 9 hits, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
Taylor Hearn was just recalled from the alternate site before the game and appeared in his first game of the year. This is actually his second game in the majors. He pitched 1 inning and allowed 2 runs on 1 hit, 1 walk and struck out 1.
Hearn started the 6th inning and struck out Daniel Vogelbach and thenTim Lopes was hit by pitch. After the HBP, he gave up a single to J.P. Crawford. That’s when Jimmy Herget was brought in. He gave up a single to Dylan Moore which scored a run charged to Hearn. Then he walked Kyle Lewis. One of those balls was a strike but nonetheless the bases were loaded. That’s when Kyle Seager sent one over the wall in right field. One of those runs was charged to Hearn as well. Herget ended up pitching 2/3 of an inning and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks bringing his earned run average to 10.38.
Jesse Chavez pitched an inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a strikeout. He’s got a 5.87 earned run average. I’ve never been a fan of Chavez for some reason but there are times when he is effective. I get nervous every time he comes into a game.
Ian Gibaut came in and pitched 1.2 shut out innings but had the bases loaded in the top of the 9th. Another guy that makes me nervous. He allowed a hit, walked 2 and struck out 1. He’s got a 6.48 earned run average.
Nick Goody came in for the last out.
The Rangers pitching staff issued 6 walks and struck out 5.
Swinging the bats
Unfortunately, it was Mariners who got the best of the pitching. The Mariners 1-4 hitters went a combined 10 for 19. Every batter in their line-up had at least one hit.
For the Rangers in the bottom of the 1st, Shin-Soo Choo drew a lead-off walk. A couple of batters later, Willie Calhoun tripled scoring Choo.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Nick Solak singled to left field, then stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on the throwing error by the catcher. Willie Calhoun hit a sac fly to score Solak making it 2-1 Rangers. Rangers took advantage of the gift from the Mariners. Calhoun drove in both runs for the Rangers. That was all they could get. It’s time for the Rangers to start giving more playing time to some of the younger guys.
The Ranger scored 2 runs on 8 hits. Choo, Solak and Calhoun went 5-12. The Toddfather, Odor and Chirinos each had one hit on the night.
Between the lines defensively
This Kiner-Falefa kid can play third base pic.twitter.com/DrSSduYCSW
? TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) August 11, 2020
It’s time for the Rangers to give the younger guys more playing time. Get Tejeda back in this line-up at SS to give Elvis a break and put Solak at 2nd. They play the Mariners again tomorrow at 8:05 PM
Minor (0-3, 6.89) will take the mound for the Rangers against Gonzales (2-1, 3.06) for the Mariners.
