How many lineups have been better than the Texas Rangers at the plate this year? Not Many
The Texas Rangers lead the AL West and just completed a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals, and a big reason why has been an offense that is among the best in baseball.
Only the Tampa Bay Rays have scored more runs than the Rangers, and the teams are the only two to have scored more than 100 runs.
Rangers’ hitters have driven in runs when it matters most, which was evident in their April 16 victory over the Houston Astros, when a six-run seventh inning blew the game open.
Chances are last year’s 68-94 team would not have rallied. But second baseman Marcus Semien said this year’s team is different.
“We’re more calm now,” he said. “Whether it’s experience or a new group here, whatever it is, if we want to be successful this year we’re going to need to do really well in those situations.”
For his part, Semien is hitting .364 with three home runs and nine RBIs over his last six games. He leads the team in RBIs, home runs and hits over that time frame.
On the season the Rangers have hit .250 with 21 home runs and 112 runs scored. The team has scored five or more runs 10 times. Only two teamshave won more games when scoring five or more runs.
Of their 10 games scoring five or more runs, four of them have happened after star shortstop Corey Seager went down with an injury on April 11.
Rangers’ Manager Bruce Bochy spoke about the character of his team after their series victory over the Houston Astros, only the Rangers’ second in six years.
“I think you look at the club, the fight they have in ‘em, that’s what I love. You’ve had some tough games I’ll go back to Chicago, the first two games we didn’t win one and to keep from getting swept they played well,” said Bochy.
The Rangers avoided a Cubs sweep with an eight-run outburst on April 9. Since then, the Rangers have won seven of last nine and four straight.
They open a three-game series Friday against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field.
