2026 Rangers Fail to Extend Winning Streak Against Guardians After Dropping Last Game of the Series
The Rangers and Guardians went head-to-head today for some lunchtime baseball for their final game of the series and their final matchup against each other for the season. Texas won their home series earlier in the season, two games to one, and they did the same thing here, but at Progressive Field, winning the first two games of the series, then dropping the last game with a final score of 9-4. MacKenzie Gore got the nod to start for the Rangers, but he will have to take the loss after a blunder in the second inning, giving up five runs, but somehow struck out seven Guardians. For Cleveland, Joey Cantillo took the win for today’s game, adding a win to his record to make it 7-3 on the season. Through five innings, he was great; three hits, one run, and one strikeout were all he allowed, which ultimately gave his team the confidence needed to get back to the win column. The Rangers will look to get back on track as they finally end their road trip and head back to Arlington to take on the Detroit Tigers for the second time this season in a three-game series starting tomorrow, July 2nd.
Rollercoaster Offense Is Back at It
The offense didn’t get things going until the top of the third when the 26-year-old lefty Cantillo gave up back-to-back walks. Then, with a single rope to left field by utility man Ezequiel Duran, the Rangers were able to load the bases and finally get a run on the board with Cantillo’s third walk of the inning to Kyle Higashioka. Newly called-up outfielder Cameron Cauley had the chance to get some much-needed runs, but he grounded into a double play. All season, the Rangers have proven that the offense can perform at a high level, and they had chances today, but it’s been a nagging issue. An interesting stat to keep an eye on as the season goes on is to see when the Rangers get a run across home plate first. When they score first, they’re 29-11, but when they don’t, it becomes dramatically harder for them to land in the win column as they’re 15-31 when trailing first. It’s a trend that started last year, as they were 52-22 when scoring first and 29-59 when they didn’t. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to defy their season odds and get the win without scoring first.
Nicky Lopez Is Here to Stay
31-year-old utility infielder Nicky Lopez has been an absolute unit since joining Texas on May 27th this season, and he’s become a centerpiece in an ever-changing lineup. The journeyman has been on several different teams since getting drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, but it seems like he’s found his confidence and, hopefully, a future home with the Rangers. After being called up and playing on the same day after the injury bug spread across the Rangers’ infield, he’s hitting an excellent .326 on the season. While Lopez is not known as a power hitter like his teammate Joc Pederson, he has continued to put the ball in play and get on base. With the Rangers alone, he’s played 29 games, with an OPS of .759 and eight RBI. Lopez is also disciplined in the batter’s box, only striking out 13 times in 91 plate appearances. With the former World Series Champion Corey Seager landing himself back on the injured list with some back discomfort, this only helps the MLB journeyman hit his stride and continue his hot streak when he’s up to bat and when he’s taking the field.
