Rangers AM News: Texas Beats Oakland In Series Opener

The Texas Rangers got back to action in Northern California with a big win against the Oakland A’s and now lead AL West by 2 games.

Yes, the Rangers were in need of a day off on Monday after a 7-3 homestand that included a four-game sweep of then-American League West leader Houston Astros. After catching their breath for the final countdown of the regular season schedule, Texas picked up an 8-6 win against the Oakland A’s which gives the Rangers a 2-game lead in the division.

Sacrifices were the theme for Texas as the club chalked up a total of seven on the night in trying to close the scoring gap against the Athletics. Having fallen behind by as much as 4-1 by the bottom of the 3rd inning, it wasn’t until a 2-run 5th inning and a 3-run 6th inning that the Rangers offense began to wake up.

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Mitch Moreland‘s 2-run homer in the 6th paved the way for the comeback, the underrated first baseman’s 23rd long-ball this season. Moreland was 4-for-3 on the night.

Pitcher Martin Perez could only go four innings while giving up six hits and four earned runs. Chi Chi Gonzalez came on for the 5th and 6th innings to eventually get the win with support from relievers Keone Kela, Jake Diekman and Sam Dyson. Closer Shawn Tolleson came off a week’s rest for his 33rd save.

Just 12 games remain on the schedule before postseason play begins.

Colby Lewis gets the start for the Rangers in game two of the three-game set tonight beginning at 9:05pm CDT.

Rangers News From Around The Internet

Mitch Moreland Has Tying Homer, Helps Rangers Rally (Sports Illustrated)

In-depth recap of how the Rangers snapped a two-game road losing skid against the Oakland A’s. Texas has now won 10 of its last 15 games and leads the AL West by 2 games over Houston and by 4.5 games over third-place Los Angeles Angels.

Which Players Might Not Make Postseason Roster (DMN – Evan Grant)

The Rangers have spent the second half of the season adding players left and right. Which amongst the crop of acquisitions and reacquisitions will qualify for the postseason should Texas hang on to either win the AL West or qualify as a Wild Card.

Derek Holland’s Recent Struggles Not Injury Related (DMN courtesy of KRLD-FM 105.3)

Rangers pitcher Derek Holland missed a lot of baseball both last season and this season. Despite coming back looking great in 2015, he’s obviously hit a slump that has many wondering if this is in any way related to his shoulder. Texas general manager Jon Daniels says that’s not the case.

Cole Hamels To Miss Houston Series Beginning Friday (DMN – Gerry Fraley)

The Rangers begin what looks like a season-defining three-game series against the Astros in Houston on Friday night. How big of a concern is it that staff ace Cole Hamels is not scheduled to pitch in any of those games?

The Value Of Will Venable For The Rangers (Nolan Writin’ – Josh McSwain)

Will Venable was not exactly a household name in North Texas until his arrival to the Rangers earlier this summer. To this point, he’s been exactly what Texas has asked for in its fourth outfielder.

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• Published on 09/23/2015 at 14:01 PM
• Last updated at 09/23/2015 at 12:48 PM