The Texas Rangers are set to face the Houston Astros in a divisional showdown. The series winner will be awarded the Silver Boot trophy. This trophy has been given to the winner of the season series since 2001.
Rangers’ Recent Struggles
The Texas Rangers have been struggling to gain control of the American League West race. They enter Memorial Day 2.5 games behind the Athletics in the division. The Rangers are coming off a disappointing 3-6 road trip. This included being swept by the Los Angeles Angels, the worst team in the division, in a three-game series that concluded on Sunday.
The Rangers are currently on a three-game losing streak. They have lost six of their last 10 games. They now begin a seven-game homestand. It starts with a series against the Houston Astros.
Astros’ Improving Form
The Houston Astros have had a worse start to the season than the Rangers. However, the Astros are showing signs of improvement. They swept the Chicago Cubs on Sunday and have won six of their last 10 games. The Astros also won two out of three against the Rangers in their first meeting this year.
Pitching Matchups
Texas will start RHP Kumar Rocker (2-4, 3.60). The Astros will counter with RHP Tatsuya Imai (1-2, 8.31).
No batter in the Rangers’ lineup has faced Imai. Imai is a rookie that was signed out of the NPB in the offseason.
The only batter in the Astros lineup that has faced Rocker is utility infielder Nick Allen. He is hitless in two career at-bats.
Silver Boot on the Line
The Rangers and Astros will play 13 divisional games this year. The winner of the series receives the Silver Boot trophy. The Rangers have not won the Silver Boot since 2016.
Game Details
- Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
- TV: Rangers: Rangers Sports Network; Astros: Space City Home Network.
- Radio: Rangers: KRLD 1080, KFLC 1270; Angels: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, KLTN-TUDN 102.9 FM
Texas (24-28) enters Memorial Day. Houston (23-31) is off to a worse start than Texas.