Padres Sweep Trade-Happy Texas Rangers to End Road Trip

The Texas Rangers ended a choppy road trip with Sunday afternoon’s 5-3 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

Despite going just 1-5 on the trek and losing both series, including getting swept for the second time this season, the Rangers return to Arlington with plenty of reason for optimism going into the final two months of the season.

Texas strengthened its pitching staff considerably, as trades became official Sunday for Max Scherzer from the New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals starter Jordan Montgomery and reliever Chris Stratton.

The blockbuster deals signal a Rangers franchise going for it this season. Texas, which has missed the playoffs the last six years and has yet to win a World Series, might not be done dealing before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

The added pitching also helps ease the blow of current Nathan Eovaldi going on the injured list. The right-handed ace has pitched only once since the All-Star break.

The Rangers (60-46) have a one-game lead in the American League West over the defending champion Houston Astros (59-47). Texas is 2-7 since a six-game winning streak out of the All-Star break.

Padres 5, Rangers 3

Notables from Sunday’s series finale at San Diego.

Bradford Steps In

Cody Bradford made the sixth start of his MLB career, stepping in for Eovaldi. The rookie held his own during his brief three-inning appearance, giving up just one run and striking out five.

Bradford did rack up 75 pitches and walked three, leaving the game with Texas down 1-0.

Bullpen Struggles Again

The trouble began on the first pitcher from Rangers reliever José Leclerc surrendered a 399-foot home run to Gary Sanchez. Leclerc also hit a batter and allowed two runs in just 2/3 of an inning.

Brock Burke and Will Smith also gave up runs in relief.

Finally Some Runs

After scoring just one run in the first two games of the series, the Rangers “erupted” for three runs on eight hits. Marcus Semien had a two-run single in the sixth, as Texas cut the deficit to 4-3.

The Rangers did make some noise in the ninth, loading the bases against San Diego closer Josh Hader with two outs. Josh Jung came up with a chance to be a hero, but fouled out to right to end the game.

Up Next

The Rangers, off Monday, open a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Following three games with the Pale Hose, Texas welcomes the Miami Marlins into town for a three-game set beginning Friday.

You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.

Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.