The Texas Rangers dropped a 5-3 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Sunday in spring training play. Despite Mark Canha's 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI effort at the plate, the Rangers could not pull even when it mattered. On the mound, Trey Supak turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of 2-run ball with two strikeouts. The Dodgers out-hit the Rangers 7-6 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Mark Canha was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Rangers confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Alejandro Osuna chipped in, going 1-for-4 with an RBI, Joc Pederson added to the attack, going 1-for-4, and Andrew McCutchen provided support, going 1-for-3. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Kyle Tucker led the Dodgers offense with a 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI day. Teoscar Hernández also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Andy Pages added a 1-for-3 with an RBI effort as well. The Dodgers offense proved to be too much for the Rangers pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Trey Supak got the start, delivering a strong performance, working 4.0 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 51 pitches in the outing. It was exactly the kind of outing the Rangers need from their pitching staff heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 4.0 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out four. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions. Edgardo Henriquez recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Luis Curvelo stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
The Rangers struck first, tallying a run in the first inning. Dodgers answered with two runs in the first. The Rangers responded with two runs in the sixth. Dodgers countered with two runs in the sixth. Dodgers plated a run in the eighth. The Dodgers were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Dodgers out-hit the Rangers 7-6, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 9,767 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Rangers were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.