The Texas Rangers’ offensive outburst, leading to nine runs, their highest tally in nearly a month, secures victory against the Detroit Tigers. However, the potential absence of slugger Corey Seager casts a shadow over the lineup.

The Texas Rangers may find themselves needing a lot more of that performance in the weeks ahead.

After Corey Seager, a key hitter, exited the game due to a left hamstring strain while running to first base after an RBI single in the second inning, the Rangers discovered another source of offensive firepower against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night at Globe Life Field.

Josh Smith and Jonah Heim both hit home runs in the third inning, contributing to a total of six hits and four RBI between them, propelling the Rangers to a decisive 9-1 victory and averting a potential sweep by the Tigers. Additionally, both Smith and Heim recorded doubles during the game. This offensive surge marked the highest run total for Texas since May 8th against Oakland.

The Tigers faced early pitching woes as their starter, Kenta Maeda, exited the game after just two pitches in the first inning due to an injury. Left-hander Joey Wentz took over but struggled, conceding three runs on four hits and four walks in 2.2 innings. Later reports indicated that Maeda departed the game due to right abdominal discomfort.

Three thoughts from Wednesday’s game:

1. José Ureña Stellar Again

Apr 11, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher José Ureña (54) winds up during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Right-hander José Ureña was magnificent in what could be his last start for a while. Ureña held the Tigers to a run on one hit (a solo homer) and one walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out six. Ureña had a perfect game going until Justyn-Henry Malloy led off the sixth with a solo homer. It’s Malloy’s first-career MLB hit. Rangers fans in attendance gave Ureña a loud ovation when Bruce Bochy replaced him with David Robertson after a two-out walk in the seventh. There may not be a spot in the rotation for Ureña if Jon Gray returns from the injured list, as expected, this weekend.

2. Seager’s Streak

Jun 3, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Seager’s 16-game hitting streak was snapped on Tuesday but his on-base streak is still going. Or, at least it was. Seager’s career-high on-base streak was extended to 28 games with his RBI single in the second inning. Seager’s on-base streak is tied for MLB’s third-longest active streak and the longest by a Rangers player since Marcus Semien’s 33-game streak from April 30-June 6, 2023.

3. Up Next

Apr 27, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (23) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers are off Thursday before hosting the San Francisco Giants for weekend series beginning Friday night.Right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 2.96) faces Giants right-hander Logan Webb (4-5, 2.95) in Friday’s opener.