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Rangers Face Red Sox, Look for Another Boost from Bottom of Order
The Texas Rangers are looking to build on their recent victory as they wrap up their three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas. Manager Bruce Bochy is hoping for more big plays from the bottom of the order, which was key in their win on Saturday.
Recent Performance and Highlights
The Rangers had been in a rough patch, losing three in a row and six of their last seven games before Saturday. However, back-to-back home runs from Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras in the fourth inning led them to a 7-4 victory. Heim, batting eighth, had two hits, including a three-run homer that tied the game. Taveras, batting ninth, also had two hits and two RBIs, including a go-ahead solo homer.
Manager Bruce Bochy’s Perspective
Bochy was thrilled with the production from the bottom of the order, noting its significance. “That’s an area where we haven’t quite had the production we had last year, or for the most part this year, and we got it (Saturday),” Bochy said. He emphasized the importance of contributions from the entire lineup, praising the team’s collective effort.
Jonah Heim’s Impact
Heim, who missed the previous two games, made a strong comeback. “I feel like every homer is huge when you’re playing good teams,” Heim said. He highlighted the need to score runs and pitch well against formidable opponents, expressing readiness for the next game after a few days of rest.
Boston’s Performance
Despite their loss, the Red Sox had some standout performances, including four hits from Rob Refsnyder, two of which were solo home runs. However, Boston will need to address some player availability issues for the series finale.
Pitching Matchup: Nick Pivetta vs. Nathan Eovaldi
Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta (5-7, 4.47 ERA) will start for the Red Sox. Pivetta has performed well against the Rangers, holding a 1-0 record with a 1.84 ERA in three career starts. He has allowed only three runs on 10 hits in 14 2/3 innings against Texas.
Nathan Eovaldi
Nathan Eovaldi (8-4, 3.38 ERA) will take the mound for the Rangers. Eovaldi, a key player in the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series win, signed with Texas after the 2022 season. He has a 3-0 record with a 4.85 ERA in nine games (eight starts) against Boston, allowing 49 hits in 42 2/3 innings. Eovaldi acknowledges the challenge of facing his former team and aims to throw strikes and manage their aggressive baserunning.
Player Availability and Injuries
Boston outfielder Tyler O’Neill missed Saturday’s game due to an illness and may not be available for the series finale. Manager Alex Cora expressed hope for O’Neill’s recovery but emphasized patience. Additionally, outfielder Jarren Duran showed signs of discomfort during Saturday’s game but is expected to be ready after receiving treatment.
Game Insights
- Rangers’ Bottom of the Order: The Rangers need continued production from the bottom of their order. Contributions from players like Heim and Taveras could be pivotal.
- Pitching Performance: The duel between Pivetta and Eovaldi will be crucial. Pivetta’s strong record against Texas and Eovaldi’s familiarity with Boston’s lineup add layers to this matchup.
- Red Sox Resilience: Boston’s lineup, featuring strong hitters like Rafael Devers and Rob Refsnyder, poses a significant challenge. The team’s ability to adapt to player availability issues will be key.
Conclusion
As the Rangers and Red Sox prepare for the series finale, the game promises to be a competitive matchup. The Rangers aim to secure another win with contributions from their entire lineup, while the Red Sox look to bounce back despite player availability concerns. Fans can anticipate an exciting and high-stakes game.
