Inside The Rangers

Texas Rangers Stop Skid, Offense Provides Just Enough To Beat Tampa Bay Rays

The Texas Rangers scored all three runs in the third inning and Michael Lorenzen and the bullpen made it hold up Friday night at Globe Life Field.

Stefan Stevenson

Jul 5, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) advances to third base during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) advances to third base during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 3-0 shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday at Globe Life Field.

The Rangers scored all three runs in the third, including on an RBI double from Corey Seager. Nathaniel Lowe singled in Seager for the third run.

Texas collected 10 hits, including two each from Jonah Heim and Jonathan Ornelas, but failed to push runs across after the third inning. Rangers pitchers held the Rays to three hits and recorded the club's ninth shutout.

Thoughts from Friday's game:

1. Bullpen Dominates

David Robertson threw 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief as the Texas Rangers bullpen held the Tampa Bay Rays in check.
Jun 21, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher David Robertson (37) delivers a pitch to the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Leclerc pitched a scoreless sixth despite a single and walk. In the seventh, Jacob Latz walked two with no outs before getting a pop-up and flying out to Leody Taveras, who made an excellent sliding catch on a sinking liner in front of him. David Robertson replaced Latz and got Isaac Paredes looking to end the inning. Robertson added a scoreless eighth before Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth. The bullpen combined to allow two hits and three walks while striking out five in four innings.

2. Lorenzen Pitches Around 5 Free Passes

Michael Lorenzen threw five scoreless innings on one hit despite five walks Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Jul 5, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Michael Lorenzen (23) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Lorenzen walked five but only allowed one hit over five innings. He struck out five. Lorenzen loaded the bases with walks in the fifth but struck out Brandon Lowe to escape the jam. Lorenzen lowered his ERA to 3.21. He has allowed 16 runs in his past 10 starts (58 innings) for a 2.48 ERA in the span.

3. Up Next

Andrew Heaney starts for the Texas Rangers against the Tampa Bay Rays at 3:05 p.m. Saturday at Globe Life Field.
Texas Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney (44) throws during the first inning of their game against the Texas Rangers Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. / Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Left-hander Andrew Heaney (3-9, 4.04) faces Rays right-hander Taj Bradley (3-4, 3.42) in Game 2 at 3:05 p.m. Saturday.

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Stefan Stevenson
STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.

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