Could Rangers Series Win Over D-backs Spark Something Bigger?

They say that to ignite a flame, you need just a single spark, and the Texas Rangers may have just gotten that spark over the weekend.

Coming in limping, Texas traveled to Phoenix for a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, a place where the most fondly remembered memories in franchise history lie.

After dropping the first game of the series by a resounding 9-1 final, it seemed like the Rangers' fate in the series might be the same one that’s plagued this team all year long.

However, before getting an on-field spark, Texas got some reinforcements that would wind up making an immediate impact.

Both Josh Jung and Nathan Eovaldi were activated from the Injured List before Saturday’s game, and it didn’t take them long to give the Rangers a boost.

Jung picked up a pair of hits and an RBI while Eovaldi threw 2.2 innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen as Texas took down the D-backs 6-2 to even the series.

On Sunday, the Rangers held on for a 7-6 series-clinching victory behind yet another strong start from Cal Quantrill.

In a simple yet encouraging sign, throughout both victories, Texas’ best offensive players were their best offensive players.

Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford combined for two home runs and four RBIs in the two victories, leading the offense to score a total of 13 runs in both games.

There’s no doubt that the presence of Seager and Langford has been missing for much of the year, but if they’re in the lineup and performing, this Rangers lineup could kick into another gear to help continue the flame.

Certainly, this isn’t the first solid series win that Texas has had this season and you could point to any of them and suggest that they could have started this fire but didn’t and you certainly wouldn’t be wrong.

However, this time there’s no choice but for things to be different. On the outside of the playoff picture looking in, the Rangers have no choice but to rise to the moment on their upcoming homestand, or else they will be cleaning out lockers in October and not playing baseball.

There have been a couple of instances this season where Texas has made the most of opportunities but those have been few and far between.

We’ve been waiting for the time when the Rangers were going to go on a real run to cement themselves firmly in the postseason picture… perhaps it’s now.