This was not the time for the Texas Rangers to go into a long losing streak. They needed to put some wins together any chance for some American League postseason action. Texas is not mathematically eliminated yet, but losing seven in a row doesn't help.
Otto Lopez was the star of the game for the Miami Marlins, who beat Texas 4-2 on Sunday afternoon at Globe Life Field. That's an outcome Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and Rangers fans in attendance didn't want to see happen.
Wyatt Langford provided a highlight for Texas in hitting his 22nd home run of the season, according to The Associated Press.
Lopez had three hits, drove in a run and scored a run for the Marlins. Lopez's RBI double in the fourth and eventually scoring a run on a single by Heriberto Hernández off Merrill Kelly (12-9) proved to be a backbreaker.
Jakob Marsee and Agustín Ramírez had doubles to make it 3-0 Marlins in the fifth inning.
Marlins pitcher Lake Bachar went to 8-2 overall, working two innings in relief of Eury Pérez. Pérez struck out nine Rangers in four scoreless innings. He also allowed two hits and walked one while throwing 88 pitches.
Miami reliever George Soriano picked up his first save.
There are six games left in the regular season for the Rangers and Marlins. If they either one are going to get a Wild Card spot, then they have to win out.
The Rangers have been playing on fumes in the latter part of this season, relying on a bunch of young players that became known as the "Little Rascals." Injuries have played a big role in not helping Texas have an impact in the American League West Division.
While Bochy and his players wanted to have a strong finish this season, it's not working out that way. Does Texas have a chance? A mathematical one at this point. Rangers fans, though, might be turning their attention to watch the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL and, soon, the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA.
Rangers fans probably have their fingers crossed, though, that a Wild Card spot might happen.
Crazier things have happened in MLB history.