Last week was a tough one for the Texas Rangers in more ways than one. The week began with the sudden death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs on Monday. The game between the Rangers and Angels was subsequently postponed. It also affected all of baseball as the players are a tight knit fraternity and Skaggs had former teammates on several other teams. But just like life, baseball had to move forward.

Week in review

Tuesday, July 2nd: Angels win 9-4

It was an emotional start to the game with a moment of silence for Skaggs. The Rangers ground crew even etched his jersey number 45 into the back of the pitcher’s mound. Rangers’ ace starter Mike Minor allowed three runs while striking out four and walking four but only lasted 4 1/3 innings due to his 110 pitch count.

Star of the game: There was’t a single star. On this night all players on both teams were “heroes”.

Wednesday, July 3rd: Angels win 6-2

Angels’ center fielder Mike Trout continued to show why he is the best player as he slugged two home runs in their win.

Rangers’ star of the game. Backup catcher Tim Federowicz who drove in both of the Rangers’ runs. One on a home run. When it comes to offense he has proven to be better than Jeff Mathis.

Thursday, July 4th: Rangers win 9-3

Lance Lynn continued his hot streak allowing just two runs over seven innings for his 11th win, tying him for the most in the AL. Rougned Odor hit two home runs with five RBI to lead the offensive attack.

Rangers’ star of the game: This is a tie between Lynn and Odor.

The Rangers then embarked on a weekend road trip against an equally tough Minnesota Twins team.

Friday, July 5th: Twins win 15-6

Rangers’ starter Adrian Sampson had one of his worst outings of the season as he couldn’t make it out of the third, allowing seven runs. Not one single reliever pitched a scoreless inning for Texas.

Rangers’ star of the game: The only bright spot was Shin-Soo Choo who had two RBI with a home run.

Saturday, July 6th: Twins win 7-4

Texas starter Jesse Chavez allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings and the Rangers’ offense tried, but failed to come back.

Rangers’ star of the game: (tie) Choo went 3-4 with a double and Willie Calhoun hit a two-run homer.

Sunday, July 7th: Rangers win 4-1

Texas went with Jose LeClerc as the “opener” pitcher. He allowed just one run in 1 2/3 innings. Texas eventually tied the game at one and it went into extra innings. Rougned Odor hit the game-winning three-run home run in the top of the 11th. Shawn Kelley ended up with the win.

Rangers’ star of the game: Clearly it’s Odor.

The week ahead

The All-Star break is here and it is a break that the Texas Rangers definitely deserve. Aside from the postponed games with the Angels, Texas has only had two scheduled days off since June 1st. Through all that, though, they have still exceeded expectations and currently have a winning record of 48-42. They are in third place, nine games behind the division leading Houston Astros. They are also just three games behind in the AL wild card race.

Speaking of the Astros. Texas returns from the break on Thursday with a four game series at home with Houston. Hopefully they will be rejuvenated and continue their run to the postseason.

Until next time, I’ll see you in the cheap seats!