The Texas Rangers produced a dominant 9-1 win in their series-opener against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, and a large contributor to their success was shortstop Ezequiel Duran.

Duran opened his evening with a two-out, two-RBI single in the bottom of the first inning to give the Rangers an early 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the seventh inning, he hit a single. 

By the end of the game, Duran had gone 2-for-4 and contributed two RBIs in the Rangers’ rout of Kansas City at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. In his last four games, Duran is 6-for-14 at the plate (.428 AVG) with four RBIs. Through 49 games, he is hitting .290 with a .799 OPS.

After the game, Duran talked with Jared Sandler of Rangers Sports Network about his consistency at the plate throughout the season.

"Yeah, I'm just putting everything in God's hands," Duran said. "And when I cross the line, you know, I'm doing my 100% to help the team win. I'm fighting every time." 

This season, Duran is hitting over .400 with runners in scoring position, and he talked about his mindset in those situations that has helped him succeed.

"You know, don't try to be big," Duran said. "Don't try to get everything, just get one and take a good at-bat. Get one pitch and hit it hard to the middle."

Duran’s role with the team has grown, but before that growth, he has always maintained a good demeanor and has stayed consistent in being a quality teammate.

"You know, when I come to the stadium, I'm doing 100% to help the team every time," Duran said. "If I'm on the bench, I'm gonna be happy with a lot of energy. If I cross the white line, I'm gonna fight for my team; I'm gonna do my 100% to help my team win. 

"f I have to play really good defense, I'm gonna do it," he added. "If I got to take a good at-bat, move the run and bunt, everything, I just want to help my team win."

Duran is also flexible in the positions he is asked to play. As long as he is getting playing time, he is relishing the moment.

"In the lineup," Duran said when asked where is most comfortable playing. "As long as I’m in the lineup, I am going to be happy."

After a dominant win on Friday, Duran and the Rangers can secure the series against the Royals with a win on Saturday.

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!