ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
For Mets, Climb into Playoff Contention Continues vs. Rangers
The New York Mets, riding high on a five-game winning streak, head to Arlington, Texas, to face the Texas Rangers in a pivotal three-game series. The Mets have turned their season around, winning 11 of their last 15 games to edge closer to a wild-card spot. Meanwhile, the Rangers are looking to snap out of a recent slump. This series is crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Mets’ Recent Surge
The Mets have been on fire, winning their last five games and sweeping the San Diego Padres with a cumulative score of 18-8. Francisco Lindor highlighted the team’s positive momentum: “We are playing well. This is a good wave that we are riding right now. We just have to make sure we stay on it as long as we can.”
Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers
Pete Alonso’s Impact
Slugger Pete Alonso, who had been in a slump, broke out with a stellar performance in the last game against the Padres, going 2-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs. His resurgence is timely as the Mets continue their playoff push.
Manager Carlos Mendoza’s Perspective
Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza praised his team’s resilience: “We are winning games, but even when it was hard for us, the guys never gave up. They continue to show up every day. They continue to work. Our preparation continues to get better and they are having fun.”
Rangers’ Struggles
The Texas Rangers are in a rough patch, losing eight of their last 12 games, including a sweep by the Seattle Mariners. They now trail the first-place Mariners by 8 1/2 games in the AL West. Offensive struggles have been a significant issue, as evidenced by their 5-0 shutout loss in the series finale against Seattle.
Offensive Woes
The Rangers’ top hitters, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Adolis Garcia, went hitless in the final game against Seattle, underlining their recent struggles. Manager Bruce Bochy noted the team’s challenges: “We’re a better offense than this. We have some guys struggling, that’s fair to say. We’re banged up a little bit, not to make any excuses. You’ve still got to find a way to put some runs on the board and we just couldn’t do it.”
Pitching Matchup: Jon Gray vs. David Peterson
The series opener features Jon Gray for the Rangers against David Peterson for the Mets. Gray, who has dealt with injuries this season, has a career 1-3 record with a 7.41 ERA against the Mets. Peterson, returning from surgery, has been solid with a 2-0 record and a 4.32 ERA. He has had success against the Rangers in the past, which could play a crucial role in this matchup.
Mets’ Road Ahead
After the series in Arlington, the Mets will continue their road trip with a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Maintaining their winning form will be essential as they aim to secure a wild-card spot.
Conclusion
The series between the New York Mets and Texas Rangers promises to be an exciting one with significant playoff implications. The Mets are looking to extend their hot streak, while the Rangers aim to bounce back from recent struggles. This series could be pivotal for both teams as they fight for their playoff lives.
