What went right?
• The thin Colorado air appears to be just what the Texas offense needed. The Rangers scored at least seven runs in all three games in winning a series for just the second time in their last 10 series. The offense was led by the duo of Delino DeShields and Rougned Odor, who combined for 11 hits and nine runs scored.
• If the Rangers are going to make up any ground in the West they're going to need production from Matt Harrison and Martin Perez. They got it from both in their second starts for the Rangers and each left-hander pitched well in the series. Harrison's velocity was better in his six scoreless innings in Tuesday's 9-0 win and Perez allowed three earned runs in his six innings in Wednesday's crazy 10-8 win.
• The bullpen is looking for pitchers to step up and both Spencer Patton and Keone Kela continue to do that. Both pitchers worked in two of the three games in the series and didn't allow a run.
What went wrong?
• Monday starter Nick Martinez was terrible in the series-opening loss. The Rangers moved Wandy Rodriguez to the bullpen to make room for Martinez and he allowed seven earned runs in his four innings of work. The April magic for Martinez seems to be gone as his ERA since April is now over 5.00.
• The lone reliever to struggle for the Rangers was Tanner Scheppers and he struggled mightily. He gave up the walk-off single in the 8-7 loss Monday and then allowed four runs in his inning of work Wednesday. The Texas set-up man has allowed eight earned runs in his last 4 1/3 innings of work.
What's next?
The Rangers get an off-day Thursday before heading to Los Angeles for a three-game series against a Los Angeles team that's pummeled the Rangers in seven of the nine meetings this year. Friday starter Colby Lewis is 0-2 against the Angels this year with a 12.00 ERA.
