Rangers Hope to Continue Scoring in Bunches While Hosting Athletics
After a much-needed offensive explosion, the Texas Rangers are aiming to keep their hot bats alive as they prepare to host the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The game promises a high-caliber pitching duel with Nathan Eovaldi taking the mound for the Rangers and Luis Severino leading the Athletics’ defense. Both right-handers bring solid experience and recent form to what could be a tightly contested matchup.
Rangers End Slump in Style with Record Offensive Display
The Rangers snapped a three-game losing skid with an emphatic 15-2 victory on Tuesday night, marking their highest scoring game of the 2024 season. Texas racked up a season-best 18 hits, including critical contributions from multiple hitters:
- Adolis Garcia and Wyatt Langford each delivered a three-RBI double during a huge sixth inning.
- Kyle Higashioka added to the tally with a three-run double in the eighth.
- Leody Taveras, Josh Smith, and Marcus Semien each collected three hits, fueling the offensive outburst.
Veteran leader Marcus Semien emphasized the team’s renewed discipline at the plate:
“At some point we knew we would have a big game. It was about making the pitchers come to us and picking up the guys when we had them on base.”
Nathan Eovaldi: Consistent Ace Looking for Run Support
Despite his 2-2 record, Eovaldi has been among the most reliable arms in the Rangers’ rotation, boasting a 2.21 ERA across seven starts. Most recently, he delivered six shutout innings against San Francisco, striking out seven batters and showing elite command.
“Your good ones get better as they go, and that’s what Nate did,” said Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy. “His command has just gotten better and better with all of his pitches.”
However, Eovaldi has struggled with run support, receiving just 11 total runs from his team while on the mound this season. Despite that, his control and ability to pitch deep into games have been evident.Check this matchup’s Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers
Career vs. Athletics:
- 13 appearances (75.2 innings)
- 3-2 record
- 2.85 ERA
- 67 strikeouts
Eovaldi remains confident:
“Even when I’m behind, I can throw other pitches in the zone to earn the hitters’ respect. That’s key—using all of my pitches, showing everything.”
Luis Severino: Quietly Effective for Oakland
Luis Severino enters with a 1-3 record and 3.49 ERA, which doesn’t tell the full story of his contributions. He’s been solid in recent outings, including a six-inning performance with seven strikeouts in a narrow 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Despite being part of a rebuilding Oakland squad, Severino’s competitive edge remains sharp.
“Our mindset is that we just need to fight,” Severino said. “We’ve got the lineup, sound pitching, and a bunch of guys who can really hit to stay in this race.”
Career vs. Rangers:
- 7 appearances (6 starts)
- 2-2 record
- 3.93 ERA
- 29 strikeouts over 34.1 innings
Signed in the offseason with the largest guaranteed free agent contract in Athletics history, Severino is proving to be a worthy investment.
What’s at Stake in Game 3
As both teams aim to gain momentum, the Rangers hope their offense has finally turned a corner. For Texas, maintaining this rhythm is crucial in a competitive AL West.
The Athletics, while underdogs, are proving capable of battling with consistency on the mound and at the plate.
Wednesday’s clash promises:
- A battle of right-handed veterans.
- The Rangers testing if their offensive breakout was a fluke or a new trend.
- The Athletics attempting to regain control of the series.
Game Notes and Key Stats
Matchup | Texas Rangers | Oakland Athletics |
---|
Starting Pitcher | Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 2.21 ERA) | Luis Severino (1-3, 3.49 ERA) |
Recent Win | 15-2 over Athletics | 6-5 over White Sox (April 25) |
Season Run Support (Eovaldi) | 11 runs in 7 starts | N/A |
Career Stats vs Opponent | 3-2, 2.85 ERA (vs OAK) | 2-2, 3.93 ERA (vs TEX) |
Conclusion
The Texas Rangers, rejuvenated by their offensive outburst, hope to keep their bats alive in a crucial Game 3 against the Oakland Athletics. With Eovaldi’s sharp form and Severino’s resilient consistency, the stage is set for a compelling showdown in Arlington.