ARLINGTON, Texas – After a disappointing three‑game slide, the Texas Rangers returned to Globe Life Field on Thursday with renewed confidence. Manager Skip Schumaker praised his club’s attitude after a 3‑1 victory over the New York Mets, saying the team felt “a heartbeat, a pulse, and a chin up” heading into the final stretch.
Winning streak revives AL West chase
The win moved the Rangers to 79‑80, tying the Houston Astros for the AL West lead. Both clubs sit just one game ahead of the Seattle Mariners, who are also fighting for a postseason spot. Texas will finish the regular season with a three‑game series in Minnesota, where two‑time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom (11‑10) is slated to start the opener on Friday night.
Houston, meanwhile, opened a four‑game series against the Oakland Athletics with a 7‑5 victory on Thursday. The Astros hold the head‑to‑head tiebreaker over the Rangers for the league’s final playoff berth, a factor that adds urgency to Texas’ remaining games.
Key performances spark the comeback
Third baseman Josh Jung, returning from a left‑calf strain that sidelined him for nearly two months, delivered a two‑run homer in the first inning, giving the Rangers an early lead they never relinquished. Shortstop Corey Seager broke a 0‑for‑15 slump with a solo blast to start the sixth inning, his 19th homer of the season.
Both players emphasized the mental boost from the win. “It really keeps you in it,” Seager said, referencing the Astros’ recent victory that had put the Rangers on the back foot. “We were all texting about it in the group chat, so definitely came in revitalized this morning.” Jung added that the team’s focus shifted after the loss, noting the importance of playing with confidence.
What’s at stake for Texas
With only three games left in the regular season, the Rangers must finish at least one game ahead of the Astros to secure the AL West crown. The division race is unusually tight; no team can afford another slip‑up. The Rangers’ last World Series triumph in 2023 came as a second wild‑card entry, but this year only the division winner is guaranteed a playoff spot.
Schumaker, in his first year as manager, highlighted the lineup’s strengths heading into the Minnesota series. “Jacob deGrom’s on the hill, and we have Corey Seager playing short, and JJ (Jung) playing third, and I’m really excited about what the lineup looks like,” he said.
Looking ahead
The final weekend will determine whether Texas can clinch the division or fall into a wildcard scramble. Fans in Arlington will be watching closely, hoping the momentum from Thursday’s win carries through to the series finale in Minneapolis.
For now, the Rangers’ resurgence offers a hopeful narrative for a city that has rallied behind its team through highs and lows. As the season draws to a close, the message from the clubhouse is clear: stay focused, play hard, and keep the West title within reach.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
