Image Source: The Boston Globe
Rangers fans and Red Sox supporters will have plenty at stake Wednesday night as Boston looks to rebound from a disappointing opening loss in Texas. The Red Sox dropped a 4-2 decision to the Rangers on Tuesday, beginning their final road trip of the regular season with a setback.
Boston enters the matchup with a postseason magic number of five. That means the club is closing in on a playoff berth, but every remaining game carries added importance. A strong performance against the Rangers would help the Red Sox regain momentum and potentially move them closer to securing October baseball.
Rangers Rematch Brings Critical Playoff Stakes
The Red Sox did not receive the start they needed from Patrick Sandoval in Tuesday’s opener. The lefthander struggled through a 44-pitch second inning, allowed four runs, and lasted only 2⅔ innings. His short outing placed additional pressure on Boston’s bullpen during a game the team ultimately could not recover.
Boston will turn to Jake Bennett on Wednesday. The lefty is 9-7 with a 3.69 ERA and has delivered a solid season overall, although his most recent appearance was his roughest of the year. Bennett surrendered six runs over 5⅓ innings in a 6-4 loss to the Angels.
The Red Sox will need a deeper outing from Bennett against the Rangers. Boston’s bullpen has been especially effective lately, with relievers allowing only five runs across 33 innings over their last 10 games. Even so, a strong start could preserve the relief corps and give the lineup a better chance to control the game.
Jake Bennett Faces MacKenzie Gore
Texas will counter with MacKenzie Gore, another lefthander. Gore is 8-11 with a 4.62 ERA and has made 31 starts, the most in the majors. His history against Boston is notable: he is 0-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 16 strikeouts in two starts against the Red Sox.
Several Boston hitters have had success against Gore. Willson Contreras is 9-for-16 against him, while Adley Rutschman is 3-for-8. Jahmai Jones is 2-for-4, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa is 1-for-2. The Red Sox will look for those favorable matchups to generate early offense.
- Game: Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers
- First pitch: 8:05 p.m.
- Boston starter: Jake Bennett, 9-7, 3.69 ERA
- Texas starter: MacKenzie Gore, 8-11, 4.62 ERA
- Television and radio: NESN and WEEI-FM 93.7
Red Sox Carry Strong Road Record Into Texas
Despite Tuesday’s loss, Boston has been one of baseball’s better road teams. The Red Sox have won 24 of their last 35 road games and are 40-23 away from Fenway Park since April 25. That travel success has helped keep the club in position to challenge for a postseason spot.
The matchup also comes with a competitive recent history. The Red Sox are 7-7 against the Rangers since Aug. 12, 2024. Boston is 22-14 against lefthanded starting pitchers this season and 14-15 against teams from the American League West.
Texas enters Wednesday with a 75-76 record, while Boston is 82-69. The Rangers are no longer in the same playoff position as the Red Sox, but the home team can still disrupt Boston’s plans during the final stretch. For the visitors, the goal is simple: avoid another sluggish start and take advantage of a chance to strengthen their postseason outlook.
Projected Lineups for Wednesday’s Game
The Red Sox lineup is expected to feature Anthony in left field, Jones at designated hitter, Abreu in right field, Contreras at first base, Rutschman behind the plate, Durbin at third base, Trevor Story at shortstop, Kiner-Falefa at second, and Eaton in center field.
The Rangers are expected to counter with Foscue at second, Corey Seager at shortstop, Jung at third, Burger at first, Brandon Nimmo in right, Langford in left, Duran in center, Diaz as designated hitter, and Jansen at catcher.
As reported by The Boston Globe, the Red Sox are seeking a response after wasting an opportunity in Tuesday’s opener. A victory would not clinch a playoff berth by itself, but it would reduce the pressure surrounding the remaining schedule. It could also restore confidence in a lineup that will need consistent production during the final games of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rangers Game
When do the Red Sox play the Rangers?
The Red Sox and Rangers are scheduled to meet Wednesday at 8:05 p.m. in Texas.
Who is starting for Boston?
Jake Bennett is scheduled to start for Boston. He enters with a 9-7 record and a 3.69 ERA.
Who is pitching for Texas?
MacKenzie Gore is expected to start for the Rangers. He is 8-11 with a 4.62 ERA and leads the majors with 31 starts.
What is Boston’s postseason magic number?
The Red Sox entered the game with a magic number of five to clinch a postseason berth.
