{"id":783465,"date":"2026-08-20T06:06:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T06:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/783465\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T06:06:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T06:06:58","slug":"rangers-are-baseballs-clearest-dichotomy-with-the-fateful-first-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/783465\/","title":{"rendered":"Rangers are baseball’s clearest dichotomy with the fateful first run"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals first baseman Abimelec Ortiz (center) congratulates Andr\u00e9s Chaparro (left) after he hit a three-run homer during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026. Washington Nationals designated hitter Jos\u00e9 Tena (second from right) also scored on the play as Texas Rangers catcher Elias D\u00edaz waits for the next batter.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

ARLINGTON \u2014 They are the clearest dichotomy in baseball, which, come to think of it, is how you end up with a roller-coaster ride to .500. Nothing so determines the fate of the Texas Rangers<\/a> as the first run of the game.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Score it and they are invincible.<\/p>\n

Allow it and they become invisible.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

The last two days painted it more vividly than Leroy Neiman ever could. A day after the Rangers paired first-inning defense and baserunning to sprint out to an early lead in an eventual shutout win<\/a>, Washington squeezed out a couple of runs against strike-zone-challenged Kumar Rocker and turned the tables in a 6-0 win.<\/p>\n

When the Rangers have scored first in games this season, they are 46-16, the fourth-best record in that scenario. The three teams better in that department \u2014 the Dodgers, Cubs and Rays \u2014 are all at least 20 games above .500 for the year. The Rangers hit robustly when they score first, with a .276 average, an .806 OPS and 5.3 runs per game.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, when the opponent scores first, they are 16-49, the third-worst record under that scenario. It is the largest discrepancy between the two scenarios in the majors. Oh, and they hit .208 and score 2.9 runs per game.<\/p>\n

The Rangers are all too aware of the issue, but have no clear explanation for it. Which is probably why they are currently sitting three games below .500.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven’t been very good at coming back from a deficit,\u201d manager Skip Schumaker said. \u201cEarly on, it felt like we were. But lately, we just haven’t been able to come back, especially on the road. I wish I could give the right answer of what we need to do. It comes down to getting the leadoff guy on, if we can, and figuring it out from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, at least they had a valid excuse. Washington\u2019s Cade Cavalli is on some kind of heater, particularly since the All-Star break. In his last start against the Cubs, he was perfect for five innings, allowed his only hit with two outs in the seventh and left with eight shutout innings. Cavalli entered the game with seven consecutive quality starts and a 2.13 second-half ERA.<\/p>\n

Cavalli used six different pitches with four distinctly different speed ranges to keep the Rangers off balance. He struck out eight in the first three innings, the only innings the Rangers reached against him. Each time Cavalli allowed a hit, he struck out the next batter. He retired the last 11 batters he faced.<\/p>\n

Cavalli threw first-pitch strikes to get ahead and then, with the Rangers on the defensive, used his wide array of pitches to wipe them out.<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker tucks in his shirt as Washington Nationals designated hitter Jos\u00e9 Tena trots home after a third inning solo home run at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

This is all to make a point: Rocker did none of that with any consistency. He threw first-pitch strikes only 50% of the time, leading to lots of at-bats\u00a0where he had to battle back into the count, thus driving up his pitch count. It has been a pattern all year.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

His first-pitch strike rate of 55.7% entering Wednesday was the fourth-worst among the 104 pitchers with at least 1,500 pitches thrown this season. Worse, he\u2019s been behind in the count 30.1% of the time, the sixth-highest behind-in-the-count rate. And for the topper: Batters were hitting .336 against him when they had count leverage; that\u2019s the ninth-highest batting average allowed in those situations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the pillars of our pitching pillars is to get ahead and stay ahead,\u201d Schumaker said. \u201cThe [first-pitch strike percentage] should be higher, especially with what we preach in the organization. We\u2019ve got to get back to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rocker had few words to go along with his few first-pitch strikes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think first-pitch strikes are big,\u201d he said. \u201cI’d like to see that percentage increase, and that’s just kind of the thing we work on and keep pounding on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked if there was anything he\u2019d identified as a reason for the issue, which has gotten worse year over year, Rocker simply said \u201cno.\u201d A year ago, he threw first-pitch strikes 58.9% of the time.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

There is, however, something concrete to consider. He\u2019s got to command his sinker and four-seamer better and trust them more often, especially early in counts. Rocker\u2019s slider is an elite pitch and the pitch in which he has the most conviction. But it\u2019s best used as a wipe-out pitch when he gets ahead and batters are forced to expand their zone. It doesn\u2019t work as well early in counts, when batters are more inclined to take.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s been so good at throwing his slider \u2014 it’s an outlier, a unicorn,\u201d Schumaker said. \u201cBut if he doesn’t get the first-pitch strike, then it’s harder to get to that slider as a put-away pitch. We\u2019ve got to figure out a way to get the cutter or the sinker over more.\u201d<\/p>\n

In that regard, Schumaker thought Tuesday\u2019s outing from Cal Quantrill could have been a good lesson for Rocker to learn from<\/a>. Quantrill has used his splitter as a put-away pitch this year with great success, but it\u2019s working because he\u2019s got better command of a four-seamer, two-seamer and cutter in the zone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Cal was a perfect example last night of who Rocker could be with how he utilizes his fastball,\u201d Schumaker said. \u201cCal put it anywhere he wanted. He can really learn from kind of watching the game yesterday of how Cal navigated that game with three different shapes to the fastball, not nibbling and being on the attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, that approach made Quantrill and the Rangers invincible. On Wednesday, Rocker and the Rangers were invisible.<\/p>\n

\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) reaches second on a ninth inning double as Texas Rangers second baseman Nicky Lopez (33) attempted the tag at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026. The play was challenged and upheld by replay.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) hurls an eighth inning pitch Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) hurls an eighth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals first baseman Abimelec Ortiz celebrates after scoring on Andr\u00e9s Chaparro (center) three-run homer during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals Andr\u00e9s Chaparro reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals Andr\u00e9s Chaparro reacts after hitting a three-run home run as he rounds the bases against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Peyton Gray (75) walks back up the mound after surrendering a 3-run home to Washington Nationals Andr\u00e9s Chaparro (left) during the seventh inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitching coach Jordan Tiegs (83) makes a visit to the mound with relief pitcher Peyton Gray (left) and catcher Elias D\u00edaz (35) during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026. Gray gave up a three-run homer to Washington Nationals first baseman Andr\u00e9s Chaparro shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Peyton Gray hurls a seventh inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) strikes out in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Sweat<\/p>\n

Sweat rolls off the nose of Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn as he follows through on a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn (60) hurls a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Sweat<\/p>\n

Sweat rolls off the nose of Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn as he follows through on a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn (60) hurls a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn follows through on a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn follows through on a sixth inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Young<\/p>\n

Young men and boys wave their shirts from the outfield seats during the fifth inning of a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Young<\/p>\n

Young men and boys wave their shirts from the outfield seats during the fifth inning of a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers catcher Elias D\u00edaz waits for play to resume during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers catcher Elias D\u00edaz waits for play to resume during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers batter Evan Carter (32) wheels around to see that he ws called out on strikes by the third base umpire during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) reacts on being called out on strikes after Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (20) challenged his check swing with the third base umpire in the third inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) reacts on being called out on strikes after Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (20) challenged his check swing with the third base umpire in the third inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Washington Nationals designated hitter Jos\u00e9 Tena during the third inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals designated hitter Jos\u00e9 Tena reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals first baseman Abimelec Ortiz throws a baseball into the stands as fans look up during the second inning of the Texas Rangers baseball game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals first baseman Abimelec Ortiz throws a baseball into the stands as fans look up during the second inning of the Texas Rangers baseball game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Washington<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals Jacob Young (right) leads off first as Texas Rangers first baseman Joc Pederson (center) watches starting pitcher Kumar Rocker throws a second inning pitch at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson strikes out against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson strikes out against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker hurls a first inning pitch to the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field in Arlington, August 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Washington Nationals first baseman Abimelec Ortiz (center) congratulates Andr\u00e9s Chaparro (left) after he hit a three-run homer during…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":783466,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2393],"tags":[4805,5,4,149,1567,69,3240,87966,89173,88704,88461],"class_list":["post-783465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas-rangers","tag-article","tag-baseball","tag-mlb","tag-rangers","tag-texas","tag-texas-rangers","tag-texasrangers","tag-tp-skip-schumaker","tag-tp-arlington","tag-tp-globe-life-field","tag-tp-kumar-rocker"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/117126342209476100","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=783465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/783466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=783465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=783465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=783465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}