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After Thrilling Win, Rangers Aim to Take Series from Angels
Rangers vs. Angels: Series Finale Showdown
The Texas Rangers are coming off a thrilling 3-2, 13-inning win against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Now, the Rangers are looking to wrap up the three-game series with another victory on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.
Rangers’ Resilient Victory
Saturday’s win was a big one for the Rangers, marking their second win in the last three games after enduring a season-high five-game losing streak.
“It was a hard-fought win,” said manager Bruce Bochy. “Entertaining, with all the things that were happening. It’s good to get a win, but you’d like to do it a little bit easier.”
The Rangers twice came from behind in the game, finally clinching the win when Nathaniel Lowe was hit by a pitch after the Angels intentionally walked Corey Seager to load the bases. Travis Jankowski, who was the ghost runner, scored the winning run.
Key Player Performances
Nathaniel Lowe, who has been struggling at the plate, played a crucial role in Saturday’s victory. Despite going 2-for-22 over the past six games, including 0-for-11 in the last three, he managed a key sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to tie the game at 2-2.
“Based on my recent success this last week, I was just kind of in the way,” Lowe said. “I’m just kind of having a pretty slow stretch, but I was in the way at the right time at the end.”
Pitching Matchup: Lorenzen vs. Soriano
Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 3.75 ERA) will be on the mound for the Rangers on Sunday. The Anaheim native, who started 18 games for the Angels in 2022, has a 1-1 record and a 4.80 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against his former team. Lorenzen pitched seven scoreless innings in his last outing, a no-decision in the Rangers’ 7-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.
The Angels will counter with right-hander Jose Soriano (1-4, 3.72 ERA). The 25-year-old has pitched just two innings in two career appearances against Texas, allowing no hits or walks and recording no strikeouts.
Angels’ Offensive Struggles
The Angels managed only five hits in Saturday’s loss and drew four walks. However, they struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, going 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position. Both of their runs came from solo homers, including one by Taylor Ward, who hit his 10th of the season, tying the injured Mike Trout for the team lead.
“We certainly put ourselves in position to have opportunities and we just didn’t get it done,” said Los Angeles manager Ron Washington. “It’s tough when you go that far and have that many opportunities and you just don’t cash them in.”
This marked the first time the Angels went 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position since September 13, 1997, against the Kansas City Royals.
Injury and Lineup Updates
Luis Rengifo returned to the Angels’ lineup on Friday after being sidelined since May 3 with painful foot blisters. The second baseman has struggled since his return, going 1-for-10 over the past two games and 0-for-6 on Saturday, striking out twice.
However, a matchup against Lorenzen might be what Rengifo needs. He is 3-for-6 with two home runs in his career against Lorenzen.
Conclusion
The series finale between the Rangers and Angels is shaping up to be an exciting clash, with both teams hungry for a win. The Rangers are looking to build on their dramatic victory, while the Angels aim to overcome their offensive struggles and make the most of their opportunities. Fans can expect a competitive and engaging game as the two teams square off in Arlington.
