Texas Rangers Show Little Fight Against Boston Red Sox

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers lost for the seventh time in their past nine games after a five-game winning streak had many believing the club was headed for a turnaround.

A 7-2 loss Sunday to the Boston Red Sox highlighted the Rangers inconsistent offense, which was held to three hits, their fewest in the past 12 games. It's the seventh time Texas has been held to three or fewer hits in 2024.

Nathan Eovaldi was charged with five runs on seven hits and a walk over five-plus innings. Eovaldi left trailing 3-2 with two on and no outs in the sixth.

The Rangers led 2-0 after solo homers from Corey Seager and Josh Jung in the first and second innings but the Red Sox scored seven unanswered runs on 10 hits and four walks. The Rangers had one hit — Jung's double — after the second inning.

"It looked like we were going to have a pretty good day offensively, but then things just went flat..."

Bruce Bochy talks about this loss to the Red Sox, and about what they need to do to defeat the Astros next.
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— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) August 4, 2024

Three thoughts from Sunday's game:

1. Josh Jung

Josh Jung was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Red Sox. — Aug 4, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Josh Jung (6) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports | Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

About the only bright spot for the Rangers was Josh Jung, who was 2 for 3 with a homer and a double in his fifth game back from the injured list. Jung was used as the designated hitter, which was the plan during his first month back in the lineup.

2. Welcome, Walter!

Wilyer Abreu's three-run homer off Walter Pennington in the sixth inning gave the Red Sox a 6-2 lead. — Aug 4, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) runs the bases in front of Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (30) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports | Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Left-handed reliever Walter Pennington was put in a rough spot to make his Rangers debut. Pennington took over for Nathan Eovaldi with runners on second and third with no outs in the sixth. After falling behind Wilyer Abreu 3-0, Pennington left a slider up and Abreu burned him with a three-run homer to give Boston a 6-2 lead. Pennington walked the bases loaded but got a fly out to center hold the 6-2 lead.

3. Up Next

The Rangers and Astros are tied 5-5 entering their final series in 2024 on Monday at Globe Life Field. — Jul 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws a fielded ball to first base for an out against the Texas Rangers during the game at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports | Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers open a three-game series against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Neither team has announced its rotation. It's the final three games between the two team in 2024. They enter the series tied 5-5.

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex.

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