The Rangers capped off their homestand with authority, sweeping the league-best Milwaukee Brewers behind Jake Burger’s two-homer performance.
Things didn’t start well for Texas. Brice Turang launched his 18th home run of the season, then Jackson Chourio followed with his 20th to put Milwaukee up early. For a team that was just 16-44 when trailing first this season, it looked like the sweep might slip away.
But something’s changed with this Rangers club lately.
In their previous 16 games before today, they’d gone 4-3 when falling behind early. That’s a small sample, but it shows they’re not folding like they did earlier in the year.
The Brewers nearly made it three straight homers when Christian Yelich sent one to the warning track, but Michael Helman hauled it in. The rookie’s been having quite the series.
Burger got Texas on the board in the second with his first homer of the day, cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 2-1.
The Rangers tied it in the third when Joc Pederson grounded into a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded, bringing home Helman. Then they took their first lead on a balk that scored Josh Smith – not exactly how you’d draw it up, but they’ll take it.
Burger’s second homer came in the fifth, a two-run shot that gave Texas some breathing room at 5-2.
Rhys Hoskins got one back for Milwaukee with an RBI single in the sixth, but the Rangers added insurance in the eighth when Burger came home on a Rowdy Tellez fielder’s choice.
The comeback kept Texas within striking distance of Houston in what’s shaping up to be an interesting finish to the season.
After the game, Burger was reflecting on how different guys have been stepping up when Sam Haggerty cut him off from across the clubhouse.
“It was you today, Burg!” Haggerty yelled.
Manager Bruce Bochy touched on the team’s energy earlier this week: “We’re seeing these young guys coming up and having fun, playing loose, playing with joy. When you look at them, they’re all smiling, having a good time.”
Now comes the real test. The Rangers head out for six games against the Mets and Astros, starting tomorrow when Jacob deGrom makes his return to Citi Field.
The young guys might not want the day off, but they’ll need to stay fresh for what could be a crucial road trip.
