Texas Rangers Increase Lead in AL West Over Astros, Mariners

A day off is often a good thing.

The Texas Rangers increased their lead in the American League West on Wednesday without lifting a finger.

In what’s been a rare occurrence lately, both the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners lost on the same night. The Astros dropped a 7-5 decision to the Boston Red Sox in the 10 innings, while the Chicago White Sox upset Seattle 5-4.

The Rangers, mired in a season-long six-game losing streak, were off after being swept at the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week. The respite, coupled with those setbacks, meant Texas gained a half-game on both pursuers in the race for the AL West.

The Rangers (72-54) are up one game on Houston (72-56) and 1.5 on the Mariners (71-56) going into Thursday. The Astros could have moved into a virtual tie at the top the division with a win, while Seattle would have been a half-game out had it won.

Houston is still the favorite to win the West, according to FanGraphs.

Texas goes have a bit more breathing room going into the start of a four-game series at the Minnesota Twins. The Rangers trot out Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.27) to try to stop the bleeding, while the Twins counter with Pablo López (9-6, 3.51).

Texas hasn’t lost seven in a row since late last season (Sept. 28-Oct. 4). The Rangers are 12-8 in August after opening the month 8-0.

Should Texas drop the Minnesota opener and if Houston beats Boston, the two Silver Boot rivals would be tied for first. Seattle is off Thursday.

Texas has been alone or tied atop the division for 145 of the season’s first 146 days, with the exception of April 8.

Whatever happens Thursday night, the Rangers are assured of going into Friday at least tie for first in the AL West. That’s something.

You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.

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