What went right?
⢠Second baseman Rougned Odor continues to hit since coming back from Triple A. Odor had six hits in the series, including a homer and two triples. He came up big in the emotional 7-6 win Saturday with a homer and then a triple after exchanging words with Houston catcher Hank Conger. Odor now has hits in 14 of his last 17 games.
⢠Right-hander Colby Lewis was sharp in his win Saturday, not allowing a run until the seventh inning in picking up his ninth win of the season. With short starts by both Martin Perez and Yovani Gallardo, Lewis did what he always plans to do, pitch deep into the game and give his team a chance to win. He also saved the bullpen along the way.
⢠Left-hander Martin Perez was far from sharp in his first start of 2015 Friday but at least he came out of it healthy and is slated to make his second start Wednesday against Colorado.
What went wrong?
⢠Whether the Rangers are hoping Yovani Gallardo can help them down the stretch or help them as trade bait, he did little to help either cause in Sunday's 10-0 loss. He struggled with his command and lasted just four innings in giving up five runs. It was a rarity for Gallardo, who is now 14-4 in his career against the Astros.
⢠The offense was historically bad Friday and just plain bad Sunday. Friday they totaled just two runs on a whopping 15 hits in a 3-2 loss. Sunday's three-hit performance was a little easier to take given that it that the bulk of it came against Houston ace Dallas Keuchel, who is one of the best left-handers in the game. Keuchel struck out 13 and retired 18 straight in his seven innings of work.
⢠If you have to win series to be a contender, then the Rangers are sunk. Sunday's game marked the 11th time the Rangers have played a rubber game in a series this year. They are now 2-9 in those games and have lost five straight.
What's next?
The Rangers play a three-game series in Colorado and their revamped rotation will be on display. Right-hander Nick Martinez comes up from Round Rock for the Monday game and he'll be followed by Matt Harrison and Martin Perez, both of whom are starting for just the second time this year. It'll be interesting to see how the trio fares in the thin Colorado air.
