Season Record: 26-28
Week Record: 1-5
Series Record: 6-10, 1 split
GAME 49: 2-5 Loss @ New York Yankees
GAME 50: 3-4 Loss @ New York Yankees
GAME 51: 0-1 Loss @ New York Yankees
GAME 52: 1-4 Loss @ Chicago White Sox
GAME 53: 5-10 Loss @ Chicago White Sox
GAME 54: 5-4 Win @ Chicago White Sox
So.
The Rangers broke a six game losing streak on Sunday with a 5-4 win at the Chicago White Sox.
But the fact of the matter is they were on that six game losing streak because loss five and loss six were against one of the worst teams in baseball right now.
(For what it’s worth, the Yankees went to Colorado and immediately lost a game to the actual worst team in baseball.)
I’ll be the first to say, I know I’m a little ridiculous for still being optimistic about the team’s offense. I definitely acknowledge, this team’s lack of hitting is weird and makes no sense and is very frustrating. But for some reason I can’t explain, I think they can turn it around. I know I’ve now said that for nine weeks but it’s starting to look more like dumb luck, or lack of, than just plain being bad.
I think the current big issue is the Rangers bullpen. And that has really been the issue since before spring training.
With Sunday’s win, the Rangers are four games back in the division. They easily could have at least an extra five wins under their belt, if not for the bullpen.
(Could you say the same if the hitting was also on? Absolutely. I am of the belief the odds are better that the hitting rights itself than the bullpen righting itself.)
Four of those wins taken away by the bullpen, from the last 10 days. Texas could’ve, should’ve swept Houston. That’s two wins.
Luke Jackson blew a save in the second game of the Yankees series. Saturday’s loss against the White Sox was credited to the bullpen along with a blown save.
Texas took a late lead on Sunday in the top of the 9th and then Robert Garcia coming in as closer very nearly lost it.
Yes you can’t win games if you don’t score, but the Rangers desperately need their bullpen to shutdown the opposition when the runs are actually scored. The starting rotation is doing everything they can to keep the team above water but that can only last for so long before they’ll need hits, runs, and the bullpen to help hold them up.