Another game, another disappointing offensive performance. The Rangers inability to have a sustained rally emerges once again.

Texas got eleven hits. Ten of them, though, were singles. Which meant they were playing station to station. And that meant Kansas City was able to end any semblance of a rally with three double plays. 

Kansas City, on the other hand, collected only eight hits. Three of those went over the fence. They were also gifted five walks. The Rangers had zero.

It all adds up to another frustrating loss, another post-game interview from Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy saying the offense just didn’t come through, and another game where the Rangers announcers are reminding everyone that they are still in the playoff race. 

The fact is, yes, they do have slim hopes. But this week will determine their fate, because the two teams ahead of them to be the fourth wild card slot (remember, only three make it) are Kansas City and Cleveland. Those two teams happen to be the Rangers opponents the next six games. They head to play the Guardians after their four-game series against the Royals. 

That means, if they want to harbor even the faintest hope, they need to win three out of four against Kansas City, and since they already lost the first, they need to win the next three. That would close the gap by two games. Then, they would have to win at least two of three against Cleveland, that would close the gap another game. 

But, don’t look now. Tampa Bay is only a half game away from hopping over the Rangers, making their impossible task even more impossible.

The Rangers hopes are fading with every loss. And those are mounting up fast.

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