Despite Obstacles, Texas Rangers Off To Winning Start

The Texas Rangers have a winning record after 12 games despite having to face some early adversity.

When everyone woke up on Friday, the Texas Rangers found themselves tied for first place in the American League West.

The Rangers are 7-5, just like the Los Angeles Angels.

Amazingly, they’re one-and-a-half games ahead of the defending World Series champion Houston Astros and two-and-a-half games ahead of the talented Seattle Mariners. The Oakland Athletics remain in last place at 3-10 and likely won’t be a factor this season.

Why is the Rangers’ 7-5 start significant?

While it’s only a 12-game sample size, the Rangers haven’t advanced to the postseason in each of the last six seasons. Even with some early-season adversity, the Rangers have found different ways to win games.

They went through a six-game stretch where they only scored 12 runs.

They have just lost $325 million shortstop Corey Seager for at least four weeks with a strained left hamstring.

They have dealt with inconsistency in their pitching staff with both the starters and relievers.

Yet they can take solace in the fact that they have won more games than they have lost. Some of that success must be tied to veteran manager Bruce Bochy, who won three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants.

Bochy is smart enough to understand that teams will go through highs and lows over the course of a long season.

Adding the likes of ace Jacob deGrom and Seager over the past couple of years to a revamped roster has placed the Rangers into playoff contention.

It will be a difficult task but one that’s feasible.

While the Rangers get ready to face the ultra-talented Astros, they shouldn’t be intimidated.

This is a new-look team with lofty goals.

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