Anaheim Angels scored 0 runs compared to 5 runs scored by the Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are drawing near. Indeed, Texas will almost certainly make the playoffs this October if the Houston Astros defeat the Seattle Mariners in the last moments of the game. They desire more, though.

After winning the series tonight, the Rangers are still two and a half games ahead of the Astros in the AL West, which gives them the opportunity to win the division, the AL second slot, and a bye. In the remaining four games of the season, any combination of two victories and two defeats for Houston will complete the trick.

Adolis Garcia’s solo home run in the third inning and his RBI double in the first inning appeared to be the only runs Texas would score until Evan Carter, in his first major league game, added two runs for much-needed insurance, and Marcus Semien added another solo home run to cap off the chilly champagne.

Player of the Game: Dane Dunning gave the Rangers a fantastic game tonight, pitching seven scoreless innings on three hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts to help them get to the current enviable position.

If the team’s pitching problems are still present, Dunning’s season has been an overwhelming success, even though it ended today with a huge start.

Next: The Rangers will face Seattle’s RHP Logan Gilbert in the opening series of the regular season, which will start in Seattle with LHP Jordan Montgomery.

The first pitch of the series on Thursday night at T-Mobile Park is set to begin at 8:40 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on BS Southwest.