Inside The Rangers

Texas Rangers Take Deeper, Darker Downward Turn, Drop 11 Games Under .500

The last time the Texas Rangers were 11 games under .500 was at the end of the 98-loss 2022 season. The dropped to 56-67 after losing the 15th time in the past 20 games Friday night.

Stefan Stevenson

Aug 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27), first baseman Carlos Santana (30) and outfielder Manuel Margot (13) head the dugout after scoring on Santana’s three-run home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27), first baseman Carlos Santana (30) and outfielder Manuel Margot (13) head the dugout after scoring on Santana’s three-run home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers offense failed to put a big inning together and one big blow by the Minnesota Twins was enough for a 4-3 loss Friday night at Globe Life Field.

Carlos Santana's three-run home run in the fifth snapped a 1-1 tie and the Twins bullpen held on against the weak-hitting Rangers offense.

The Rangers have dropped nine of their past 12 games and are season-high 11 games below .500 for the first time since the end of the 2022 season. Texas has lost 15 of its past 20 games for the first time since going 5-15 from Aug. 18 to Sept. 9, 2023.

The Rangers haven't won a series since sweeping the Chicago White Sox on July 25, the last time they won consecutive games.

Three thoughts from Friday's game:

1. Rangers Bullpen Near Perfect

Matt Festa pitched 2 2/3 of perfect relief in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Rangers.
Aug 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Festa (63) throws to the plate during the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Festa, Andrew Chafin and Gerson Garabito combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out three. Fest threw 2 2/3 innings of perfect relief after replacing starter Andrew Heaney in the fifth inning.

2. Andrew Heaney

Andrew Heaney allowed four runs on five hits, including two homers over 4 1/3 innings on Friday.
Aug 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney (44) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Heaney failed to go at least five innings for the third time in his past four starts. The lefty was charged with four runs on five hits, a walk and a hit batter in 4 1/3 innings. He left after Carlos Santana's three-run homer gave the Twins a 4-1 lead with one out in the fifth. Ryan Jeffers solo homer in the third tied it at 1-1. With the loss, Heaney has an MLB-leading 13 losses, with four wins.

3. Up Next

Nathan Eovaldi starts Game 3 against the Twins at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Globe Life Field.
Aug 4, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (8-6, 3.75) faces Twins right-hander David Festa (2-2, 5.20) in Game 3 at 6:05 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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