By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Texas Rangers have lost two straight games for the first time this season. Splitting a four-game series at home against the Houston Astros is a setback for the club, considering the Rangers could have easily won this series and even gone for the sweep. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Texas is still on top of the American League West for the moment. However, they need to regroup quickly. Regardless if it's still very early in the season, the Rangers must keep it together. The Astros would gladly take advantage if the Rangers or any AL West team suffered a collapse and risk relinquishing the top position. Over the years, the Astros have solidified themselves as opportunists.
The first two games, surprisingly, were a walk in the park. The Rangers would outscore the Astros 17 to 4, which is rare nowadays. Texas beating Houston twice in a row is also very rare. Based on how hot the bats were and how balanced the pitching was in the first two games, the Rangers had the Astros well in check. The Astros have had a few issues to start the season, but so do the Rangers, so it's unfair to say that the Rangers were lucky in the first two and vice versa.
For the first time this season, the Astros have won consecutive games. In Game 3, the Astros needed the win, and they got it. Keeping the Rangers hitting lineup at two hits on 28 at-bats is a turnaround the Astros were looking for. In Game 4, the Astros quickly gave up five runs after taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Houston took advantage of a pitching mishap by the Rangers, thus embarking on a rally starting in the fourth inning and taking the 10-5 win.
Texas is to begin a three-game homestand against the Oakland Athletics before returning on the road in Houston. The A's are the A's, but they are notorious for giving the Rangers trouble. In other words, as bad as the Athletics are, they are capable of upsetting the Rangers. So, the Rangers better not underestimate the A's.
Creator: Brandon Wade | Credit: Getty Images
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