The Texas Rangers suffered a 7-2 defeat against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, snapping their impressive five-game winning streak. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy provided insight into his team’s performance in the loss.
Bochy acknowledged that his starting pitcher was “just out of sync” throughout the game. The Rangers’ hurler struggled with his release point and command, walking four batters and striking out only three [2][3]. This lack of control led to the Angels capitalizing and scoring seven runs against the Rangers.
Despite the lopsided final score, Bochy remained positive about his team’s recent run of success. “He was just off a little bit today,” Bochy said of his starting pitcher. “But we’ve been playing really good baseball, and I’m proud of the way the guys have been competing” [1][2].
The Rangers had been on a roll, winning five straight games before running into the Angels. Bochy praised his team’s effort and determination during that stretch, which had propelled them up the standings in the American League West division [2][3].
In the loss, the bottom of the Angels’ lineup proved to be the difference-makers. Outfielders Mickey Moniak and Zach Neto combined for five hits, three runs scored, and three RBIs to lead the Angels’ offensive attack [3]. Neto nearly hit for the cycle, falling just short with a single, double, triple, and home run.
Bochy acknowledged the challenge of facing a talented Angels lineup, led by the veteran duo of Ron Washington and Bochy himself. “He was just out of sync,” Bochy said of his pitcher. “His release point was off there a little bit” [2][3].
The loss marked the first meeting between Bochy and Washington as opposing managers since their memorable 2010 World Series matchup. Bochy’s San Francisco Giants defeated Washington’s Texas Rangers in that series, which was the first and only time the Rangers had reached the World Series at that point [4].
Bochy, who is 69 years old, expressed his admiration for the 72-year-old Washington, calling him “entertaining” and praising his baseball knowledge and wisdom. “I love talking to him,” Bochy said. “He brings a lot of wisdom, a lot of intelligence and credibility. He’s such a great baseball man and he’s always willing to share. That’s what I love the most about him” [4].
The two veteran managers have a long history together, with Washington holding the record for the most wins in Rangers franchise history with 664. Bochy, on the other hand, has the 10th most wins of any manager in MLB history, with 2,116 victories to his name [4].
Despite the loss, Bochy remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back and continue their strong play. “We’ve been playing really good baseball, and I’m proud of the way the guys have been competing,” he said [2].
The Rangers will look to regroup and get back on track as they continue their series against the Angels. Bochy and his coaching staff will undoubtedly work to address the issues that led to the team’s uncharacteristic performance in the loss [5].
As the season progresses, the matchup between Bochy and Washington will surely be one to watch, as these two legendary managers continue to leave their mark on the game of baseball. [4]