Image Source: The Boston Globe
Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox will meet again Wednesday night with both clubs facing an important moment late in the regular season. Boston is trying to move closer to clinching a postseason berth, while Texas will look to recover from a narrow defeat and strengthen its position in the American League race.
The Rangers opened the series with a 4-2 victory over Boston on Tuesday. The Red Sox, however, remain in a strong position at 82-69, and their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is five. Texas enters the second game at 75-76, making every remaining contest increasingly significant.
Texas Rangers Face a Critical Pitching Duel
Boston will hand the ball to left-hander Jake Bennett, who is 9-7 with a 3.69 earned run average. The Red Sox are counting on him to provide length after Tuesday’s starter, Patrick Sandoval, struggled to settle in against Texas.
Sandoval allowed four runs during a 44-pitch second inning and lasted only 2⅔ innings. That placed additional pressure on Boston’s bullpen in the series opener. A deep outing from Bennett would give the Red Sox a chance to protect their relievers and keep their postseason push on schedule.
Bennett is coming off his worst start of the season. He surrendered six runs in 5⅓ innings during a 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Wednesday’s game offers him an immediate opportunity to respond against a Rangers lineup he has not previously faced.
Texas will counter with left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The Rangers starter is 8-11 with a 4.62 ERA and has made 31 starts, the most in the majors. Gore has also been effective against Boston this season, going 0-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 16 strikeouts in two starts against the Red Sox.
Powerful Lineups Set the Stage
Boston’s lineup includes Anthony in left field, Jahmai Jones at designated hitter, Willson Contreras in right field, José Abreu at first base, Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Nick Durbin at third base, Trevor Story at shortstop, Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second base, and Austin Eaton in center field.
The Rangers are expected to start Foscue at second base, Corey Seager at shortstop, Josh Jung at third, Jake Burger at first, Brandon Nimmo in right, Wyatt Langford in left, Leody Taveras in center, Ezequiel Duran at designated hitter, and Danny Jansen at catcher.
Several Boston hitters have experience against Gore. Contreras is 9-for-16 against him, while Rutschman is 3-for-8. Jones is 2-for-4, and Kiner-Falefa is 1-for-2. Trevor Story, Connor Wong, Jarren Duran, and Andruw Monasterio have yet to find much success in their limited opportunities against the lefty.
Red Sox Road Success Adds Pressure
Boston’s strong road record is one of the most notable storylines entering the game. The Red Sox have won 24 of their last 35 road games and are 40-23 away from Fenway Park since April 25.
That performance gives Boston confidence as it begins the final road trip of the season. The club is also 22-14 against left-handed pitchers, although its record against the American League West stands at 14-15. Against the Rangers specifically, Boston is 7-7 since Aug. 12, 2024.
The Red Sox bullpen has been another recent bright spot. Over the team’s last 10 games, relievers have allowed only five runs across 33 innings. That efficiency could become crucial if Bennett exits early or if the game remains close into the later innings.
What to Watch in Wednesday’s Game
- Jake Bennett’s response: The Boston starter will try to rebound from his most difficult outing of the season.
- MacKenzie Gore’s control: His past success against Boston makes him a challenging matchup for the Red Sox.
- The bullpen workload: Boston needs a longer start after Sandoval recorded fewer than three innings Tuesday.
- Playoff pressure: The Red Sox can reduce their magic number, while Texas needs to avoid falling further below .500.
- Road performance: Boston’s impressive away record could be decisive in the final weeks.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. Eastern time. The game will be televised by NESN, with radio coverage on WEEI-FM 93.7, according to the Boston Globe preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Texas Rangers play the Red Sox?
The Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play Wednesday at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time.
Who is starting for Boston?
Left-hander Jake Bennett will start for Boston. He enters the game with a 9-7 record and a 3.69 ERA.
Who is pitching for Texas?
MacKenzie Gore is scheduled to start for Texas. He is 8-11 with a 4.62 ERA and has made 31 starts this season.
What is Boston’s playoff magic number?
The Red Sox’s magic number to clinch a postseason berth is five.
Where can fans watch the game?
The game will be available on NESN, with radio coverage on WEEI-FM 93.7.
