Rangers Head to Milwaukee Eyeing 5th Straight Win
The Texas Rangers are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a highly anticipated three-game series starting Monday. With both teams showcasing strong recent performances, fans can expect an exciting showdown at American Family Field.
Pitching Matchup: Peralta vs. Lorenzen
The opening game features Milwaukee’s ace right-hander Freddy Peralta (5-4, 4.06 ERA) against Texas’ Michael Lorenzen (4-3, 3.00 ERA). Peralta has been a formidable force, recently delivering six shutout innings in a win against the Angels. He’s also had past success against the Rangers, boasting a 2.84 ERA in two career games.
On the other side, Lorenzen has been stellar over his last seven starts with a 1.88 ERA, significantly lowering his season ERA from 4.66. However, his career record against the Brewers is less impressive (1-4 with a 5.60 ERA).
Rangers Riding High on Winning Streak
The Rangers are coming off a season-high-tying fourth straight win after defeating the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Sunday. Max Scherzer, in his first start since returning from a 60-day injured list, delivered a dominant performance, allowing just one hit over five innings with four strikeouts. This victory has boosted the Rangers’ confidence as they aim to climb higher in the AL West, where they currently sit third, 6 1/2 games behind the Seattle Mariners.
Brewers Solidifying Lead in NL Central
The Brewers managed to avoid a four-game sweep with a 6-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday. Rookie Tobias Myers shone brightly, giving up just one run on five hits over five innings. Brice Turang’s triple was the highlight of a five-run second inning, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess.
Milwaukee has maintained a strong home record (22-12) and leads the National League Central by five games over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers have been particularly impressive at home, turning around a sluggish 5-7 start to go 17-5 in their recent home series.
Player Highlights and Recent Performances
Freddy Peralta (Brewers):
- In his last start, Peralta threw 101 pitches over six shutout innings against the Angels.
- Manager Pat Murphy praised Peralta’s resilience and performance, emphasizing the challenge of consistently delivering shutout innings in Major League Baseball.
Michael Lorenzen (Rangers):
- Lorenzen’s recent form includes a 1.88 ERA over his past seven starts, despite a no-decision in his last outing against the Mets.
- Lorenzen aims to be a key player for the Rangers, reflecting on the importance of setting the tone for the team.
Max Scherzer (Rangers):
- Scherzer’s return from injury saw him allow just one hit over five innings in a 57-pitch outing.
- His performance is crucial as the Rangers push to improve their standings.
Brice Turang (Brewers):
- Turang had a standout series against the Padres, batting .474 with seven RBIs.
- His offensive contributions have been vital for the Brewers.
Wyatt Langford (Rangers):
- Langford continues to be a driving force for the Rangers, recording 10 RBIs and two homers in the past five games.
- His recent performances have been instrumental in the Rangers’ winning streak.
Standings and Series Stakes
This series is critical for both teams. The Brewers are looking to solidify their lead in the NL Central, while the Rangers aim to extend their winning streak and gain ground in the AL West. With key players in top form and both teams showing resilience, this series promises intense competition and high stakes.
Conclusion
As the Rangers head to Milwaukee, both teams are geared up for a competitive series. With top performers like Freddy Peralta and Michael Lorenzen on the mound and key hitters like Wyatt Langford and Brice Turang, fans can expect thrilling games. This series could be pivotal for the Rangers’ pursuit in the AL West and the Brewers’ quest to solidify their lead in the NL Central.
Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers