The Rangers were dominated once again as Evan Longoria (above) continued to swing a hot bat against the beleaguered Texas pitching staff. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)If this three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (74-46) is any indication, the Texas Rangers (67-52) have some serious work to do before the playoffs. The Rays scored 24 runs in the sweep, outscoring Texas 24-11 for the series, as both the Rangers' starters and relievers struggled to get outs. Rangers' manager Ron Washington seemed exacerbated after the game, but still positive when talking to the media.
"You just move on," said Washington."We'll be better equipped the next time we see them. Stay tuned."
Derek Holland (L, 2-2) started for the first time since May 30, and showed flashes of why the 23-year-old lefty should have a bright future in the Majors. Holland struck out eight batters in 4 1-3 innings of work, but also walked four batters and gave up five runs on six hits in the loss.
"The big thing was I fell behind on a lot of hitters and you know that will cost you," said Holland.
Evan Longoria, who finished the series having gone 7 of 12 with a home run and eight RBI against the Rangers, actually played his best game of the series Wednesday afternoon. Longoria went 3 for 4 from the plate with two doubles, a homer (his first in the last 19 games) and four RBI to lead the Rays to a fifth straight win. Tampa has also won 19 of it's last 24 games at Tropicana Field.
"We're playing real well right now," said Scott Shields, who allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings for his 11th victory of the season.
The bright side in all this, if there is one, is the fact that this likely won't be the same Texas team the Rays would meet in the playoffs. Not only would the Rangers receive a significant boost on offense (Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, and Ian Kinsler all missed the series and Elvis Andrus only played in one out of the three games), Texas would also send out better starting pitchers in the playoffs. The Rays missed both Colby Lewis and C.J. Wilson in this series, something that (barring injury) would not be the case in a playoff series.
Texas travels to Baltimore next for a four-game set against an Orioles; team that has played well against the Rangers this season. Baltimore is 41-79 on the year, worst in the American League, but has won four of six against Texas this season. The game one pitching matchup has Colby Lewis (9-9, 3.28 ERA) going up against Brian Matusz (4-12, 5.28) with a 6:05 p.m. start time.
News and Notes:
- Wednesday afternoon concluded the season series between these two teams, with the Rays going 4-2 against the Rangers.
(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)
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