Texas Rangers Need Day Off Before Facing Astros

The Texas Rangers open a three-game series at the Houston Astros after having their three-game winning streak snapped.

There will be clunkers several times during a marathon 162-game regular season.

The Texas Rangers suffered through one of those in a deflating 10-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

The offense went flat, the defense was shaky and the result was a frustrating nine-run defeat to snap a three-game winning streak.

Luckily for the Rangers, they’ll benefit from a much-needed off day on Thursday before opening a key three-game series on the road against the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.

Veteran manager Bruce Bochy has been around long enough to understand that every game is not going to be smooth. The goal is to quickly erase the memories and prepare mentally and physically for another difficult series.

“I always say these games are gonna happen,” Bochy said. “You just flush it out and put it behind you. The guys have done a good job, and we're off tomorrow. That’s probably coming at a good time right now, and we can get ready for Houston.”

Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi had trouble with his command and gave up 10 hits and six runs in five innings.

“I think, especially for me, being able to go back and watch the games and knowing what I have to do is nice in those regards,” Eovaldi said. “I felt like I did a lot of good things right tonight, and at the same time, I know what I need to do to be better the next time I go out. For me, it's just making sure that I stay within myself and my mechanics.”

Without Corey Seager, who’s expected to be sidelined for about one month with a strained hamstring, the offense produced four hits. The lone bright spot was a solo home run by Nathaniel Lowe.

Josh Smith is getting the first crack at replacing Seager in the lineup.

The Rangers (7-5) can now regroup and take those 24 hours to get ready for the Astros. The extra time off should be beneficial.

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