Eovaldi, Higashioka Stand Out in Rangers 3-2 Win
Nathan Eovaldi was stellar, Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead homer, and the Texas Rangers stopped the Seattle Mariners.
If the Texas Rangers wanted to see where they stood against the defending American League West Division champion Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night, then they more than held their own. The Rangers watched starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi work six stellar innings at Globe Life Field, while catcher Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning. It all added up to a 3-2 Rangers victory over the Mariners.
Eovaldi gave up six hits and two earned runs, walked two, and struck out seven. Brendan Donovan gave the Mariners an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run off of Eovaldi in the first inning. That might have been a cue in other years that the Rangers might not be in the mindset to fight back.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker has been quite clear about getting the mindset and attitude of his players in the right direction. Those fans in attendance on Tuesday night might also have been wondering if the Rangers would have what it takes to rally. Not only did they rally, but they took the lead with a three-run fifth inning.
Texas went into the home half of the fifth down 2-0. The Rangers put on their big-boy pants and decided to take control of the game. Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby, one of baseball's best starters in recent seasons, was still working in the fifth inning.