The Texas Rangers will turn to MacKenzie Gore as they open a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night.
For the lone time this season, the Texas Rangers are set to play baseball north of the border as they open a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:07 p.m. Fans can catch all the action on Rangers Sports Network and on 105.3 The Fan on the radio side of things.
MacKenzie Gore will toe the rubber for the Rangers and make his 17th start of the season. Entering play on Tuesday, Gore is 4-6 with a 4.07 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched.
In his last start against the San Diego Padres, Gore was solid, going six innings and allowing just one run while striking out six. The 27-year-old lefty did not factor into the decision as the Rangers fell 6-4 in 10 innings.
With the Rangers in the midst of a 14-game-in-14-day stretch, any length they can get from Gore will certainly be very welcomed.
As is always the case with Gore, getting ahead in counts early and forcing some early count-outs will be key to his success in this one.
On the other side, Rangers hitters will be tasked with facing veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman.
The 35-year-old will make his 17th start of the season, entering play with a 4-5 record, a 4.04 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts in 89 innings pitched.
In his last start against the Chicago Cubs, Gausman made it through just two innings, allowing seven earned runs with four walks. Throughout his last seven starts, Gausman has allowed 18 earned runs in 37.2 innings.
It appears likely that the Rangers will get a significant boost as they take on Gausman on Thursday night. Shortstop Corey Seager seems likely to return from injury after missing his 33rd game of the season on Wednesday.
Just the fact that this is a four-game series makes it an important one for the Rangers. Coming into play at 38-42, and given the overall state of the American League, a four-game swing either way could be monumental.
The Rangers currently sit at fourth place in the AL West but are just 2.5 games back of first. Texas is also just one game back of the AL’s final Wild Card spot; however, they are one of five teams that enter play on Thursday either one or two games back.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
