Nathan Eovaldi Dominates in Historic Fashion in Texas Rangers' Game 2 Win Over Rays

By dominating on Wednesday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi joined a small group in team history.

The Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday afternoon to sweep the best-of-three series and advance to the American League Division Series. 

The Rangers' offense continued to do what it does: get contributions from everyone, including rookie Evan Carter, who hit a two-run home run.

But the team also got a dominant performance on the mound from Nathan Eovaldi, who signed in Texas last offseason.

The veteran went 6.2 innings, surrendering just one run on six hits. He walked none and struck out eight, making some team history as well.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Nathan Eovaldi is the 3rd pitcher in Rangers postseason history with 8+ strikeouts and 0 walks, joining Cliff Lee, who did it twice in the 2010 ALDS on the road at the Rays (11 K and 10 K).

Nathan Eovaldi is the 3rd pitcher in Rangers postseason history with 8+ strikeouts and 0 walks, joining Cliff Lee, who did it twice in the 2010 ALDS on the road at the Rays (11 K and 10 K).

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 4, 2023

Eovaldi dealt with injury in the second half of the season, but he had a very solid first season in Texas, making the American League All-Star team.

He went 12-5 with a 3.63 ERA, striking out 132 batters in 144.0 innings. He's continually shown up in the postseason as well, going 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA over 12 career playoff games. 

Most of that playoff experience came with the Boston Red Sox, with whom he pitched in 2018 and 2021. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018 when they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers.

By advancing to the Division Series, the Rangers will play the top-seeded Baltimore Orioles. Game 1 of that series will be played at Camden Yards on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

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