On Saturday night, the Texas Rangers found themselves alone in first place. Less then two weeks ago, Texas trailed the Oakland Athletics by six games in the AL West; but after a stretch in which they have won 11 out of 12 games, Texas sits alone at the top.
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Alex Rios was picked up by the Rangers off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. On Saturday, Rios made his debut for Texas and he gave the fans everything they could have hoped for in a 5-4 Texas win over the Houston Astros. Rios had a game-tying triple and scored the winning run in the eighth inning for his new ball club. Rios also was responsible for the final out of the game as he caught a ball just short of the wall in right field.
Texas is in first place due to a variety of reasons. Mainly, the pitching has kept them in games night in and night out. However, it must be noted that the Rangers’ record against the AL West is staggering this season. After Saturday’s win, Texas is 35-14 against the division, including owning a 9-2 record against the Astros.
Texas has had two separate three-game sweeps over the Los Angeles Angels. With so many games played each year against the division, it’s important to win those matchups, and Texas is doing that so far this season.
Texas will look to improve on the 9-2 record as they play game three of this four-game series on Sunday. If Texas can keep winning the series against the divisional rivals, they should have no problem winning this division and returning to the postseason.
Greg Higgins is a MLB contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greghiggins457, Like him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.
