While other teams are getting headlines for their star players or big-name pitchers, the Texas Rangers have been quietly going about their business. They have been taking advantage of some sorry play from the American League West Division-leading Houston Astros and Seattle Marines to make up some serious ground.
The Rangers took two out of three games in a weekend series against the Astros at Globe Life Field, securing a 4-2 win Sunday over Framber Valdez and the Astros. Jake Berger's two-run home run was the difference in the game.
Patrick Corbin was quite effective in the victory, going 5 2/3 innings before the Texas bullpen only allowed one run over the rest of the game.
Rangers fans have a reason to get excited right now, even with a few key players on the Injured List. Texas has won 11 of its past 15 games and now sits 1.5 games out of an AL Wild Card spot. Could the Rangers end up winning the division? Absolutely.
Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) on X
Cody Freeman is living for his first Silver Boot series.
Texas is just four games behind the Astros in the division and just might take over second place in the coming days. The Rangers have found ways to win that are giving fans in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex a reason to check their phones and scores on a regular basis.
"Honestly that’s the beauty of baseball," young star Cody Freeman said after the game in Arlington, Texas. "You get 162 games. I couldn't even tell you that we lost 11-0 yesterday. It's already flushed down the toilet. Today was a chance for us to win the series, and we did.
"We have three more against them that are going to come up in a week. But right now, we’re worried about tomorrow against Milwaukee."
Yes, the Rangers open up a three-game series on Monday against the National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers have pretty much locked up a division title at this time. Still, they are not going to be a pushover for the Rangers at all.
Freeman has been one of those young Rangers players who have stepped up to take on a heavy load. They make it look pretty easy, though, with their hustle and desire to win.
"He is a catalyst," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said after Sunday's victory. "He's a spark for the club with the way he plays. Sure, you can look at the average, whatever, but there's always more to that story. I think that's the case with him. …
"We want our guys to go out there and play with fun and play with passion," Bochy said. "He certainly does that. I think that's contagious, just like hitting or pitching. He’s bringing that every day."
Keep your eyes on the Rangers youth movement. It might be the thing that carries the Rangers into an improbable postseason playoff spot.