​The Texas Rangers were held to just one run as the Anaheim Angels exploded for 13, a result that underscored a more one-sided game than most fans would expect. In the end, the Rangers’ chances of turning around a tough season were once again undone by the Angels, who have been struggling at the very bottom of the sport this year. Texas, meanwhile, remains squarely in the hunt for a postseason berth, carrying roughly a 60 percent probability if they can string together some consistent performances. Just imagine what the Rangers could accomplish if they could consistently beat teams like Anaheim.
The night was marked by a dearth of offense for Texas, who managed only three hits across the nine innings. The lone bright spot came in the eighth inning when pinch hitter Kyle Higashioka lined a solo shot to left-center, preventing a shutout and providing a small spark for the visiting club. Higashioka also took the mound for the ninth, adding to the unusual sequence of events in a game that had already seen plenty of irregularities.
Texas finally broke through in the eighth inning, tallying their single run after drawing five walks off Angels starter Walbert Urena. Urena, who had kept the Rangers at bay through four innings, was knocked from the game after those five walks and the outing contributing to a bullpen that Copenhagened through the remainder of the game. By the end of the night, Urena’s exit had been part of a long night that saw Anaheim’s pitching staff hold the Rangers in check for the most part, despite a late push in the eighth.
On the mound, MacKenzie Gore endured a rough outing that highlighted why his reputation as a prospect has not yet translated into sustained success at the major league level. Gore was charged with seven earned runs over five innings, a setback that added to a growing list of concerns for the organization as Chris Young’s top pitching prospect has faced criticism for inconsistent results after more than 100 innings pitched this season. Gore’s performance allowed the Angels to extend their lead and relax in the later frames, as Texas’ bullpen was unable to hold the fort once Gore departed.
In relief, the Angels continued to pile on with four more runs after Gore left the mound, sealing the fate of the Rangers. The scoring sequence included two runs charged against Higashioka, yet those runs were recorded against the Angels’ part of the scoreboard, as Higashioka’s late-inning heroics notwithstanding, the damage had already been done. The Texas pitching staff battled to keep the score closer, but the Angels’ offense, led by timely hits and patient at-bats, ultimately overwhelmed the Rangers.
With the loss, Texas returns to the .500 mark, a reset from the brief flirtation with parity they had achieved on the heels of a prior win. The day’s results also saw Seattle fall, providing a small silver lining for Texas fans who are tracking divisional and wildcard implications as the season progresses.
Player of the Game: In a lopsided affair, the Angels’ offense did the heavy lifting, and while no single Ranger stood out in a favorable way, the performance of the Angels’ lineup across the board highlighted their ability to jump early and ride that momentum late into the game. It was a night that showcased Anaheim’s ability to produce offense when it mattered and Texas’s continued struggle to string together meaningful at-bats.
Up Next: The series will conclude in a rubber match as Texas looks to rebound behind right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who is slated to start for the Rangers, opposite lefty Reid Detmers for the Angels. Detmers will be under the spotlight, as many fans will be watching closely to see if he can build on his recent strong outings. The Thursday afternoon tilt from The Shed is scheduled for 7:05 pm CDT and will be broadcast on the Rangers Sports Network, offering fans another chance to see if Texas can flip the script and take the series from Anaheim.