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Bottom of Lineup Provides Boost in Rangers Win

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rangers
By Andy Jasner | Last updated 4/9/23

The Texas Rangers snapped out of an offensive slump in a big way in the series finale on the road Sunday against the Chicago Cubs.

Thanks in large part to the bottom of the lineup.

Bubba Thompson, the No. 9 hitter, produced a double, triple and two RBI in the 8-2 win.

Josh Smith went 1-for-4 with a run scored in the No. 6 position, Jonah Heim had two hits and two runs scored in the No. 7 spot and No. 8 hitter Travis Jankowski went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

The final four hitters came through for the Rangers, who had scored 12 runs in their previous six games.

“What a job they did picking us up,” said manager Bruce Bochy, who tied legendary Leo Durocher on the all-time wins list. “We scored early and that I thought was big. … We needed it. That’s what that bench is for.”

Leadoff hitter Marcus Semien provided two hits and three RBI in the 10-hit attack.

For the Rangers to win consistently, they’ll need production throughout the lineup.

It’s a bonus to receive the type of numbers they got on Sunday.

It’s also refreshing to know it can happen.

“I believe I can play up here,” Thompson said. “And then when I get a shot, you know, I do the little things to help my team win. Any way they need me, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

After a two-game losing streak, the Rangers moved back above .500 at 5-4. Now they’ll open a three-game home series against the Kansas City Royals beginning on Monday.

Depending on matchups, Bochy could move some players around in the bottom of the lineup in this upcoming series. They proved Sunday that they have the ability to come through offensively.

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