WATCH: Texas Rangers walk-off the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on wild pitch to record fourth consecutive win, MLB Twitter reacts
The Texas Rangers recorded their fourth straight win. They walked off the Tampa Bay Rays through a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth to claim another victory.
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Josh Smith (47) walking it off [Pic Credit: Dallas Morning News]
In the sport of baseball, games are usually defined by the hard-hitting efforts of the batters or the dominating display of pitchers. A hitter can change the game with one swing of the bat or by getting absolutely standing by a fierce pitch from the southpaw. However, sometimes the matches are defined by fielding and wild throwing. Another such instance was recorded on Monday as the Texas Rangers walked off the Tampa Bay Rays through a wild pitch.
A battle between the two heavyweights was always going to be a close one. The Rangers had just swept the Guardians while the Rays themselves had been the best team in the whole league. This was always going to be a close one where the win or loss would have been determined by who blinked first. With the scores leveled in the bottom of the ninth, Peter Fairbanks became the unwanted person to claim the loss.
Fairbanks was looking to close the inning after getting two outs. He though had a moment to forget as he completely missed his throw. The pitch went past the catcher which allowed pinch runner Josh Smith to reach home from third and walk off the game. This was the Rangers’ first walk-off win since June 5 and a much-needed change of scenery after a slight bump earlier on.
This is however not the first time a game has been decided through wild play this season. The Chicago White Sox had walked off the Detroit Tigers after the pitch hit home-plate umpire in the head. The Los Angeles Angels recently walked off the Houston Astros in a classic through a wild throw at first base.
Twitter reacts as Texas Rangers walk off the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays started the season in fierce form. The side won their first 13 games of the season to open their 2023 account. However, they have suffered a massive dip in recent months. Before the All-Star Game, they suffered their worst run in the season so far as they lost seven games on the bounce. The Rays who were once leading the pack by a huge margin, have now seen their lead cut down to one.
The Rangers have had a similar story to their opponents. This season they have surprised a few people with their performances and currently lead their division. This victory over the Rays was their fourth win in a row after the ASG break. Fortune favors the brave and the Rangers were the braves one here as they got a little luck on their side to get the win. Here are a few reactions from Twitter discussing the moment involving Fairbanks.
The Texas-based side is now 56-39 for the season. With the reigning champions Astros struggling to find consistency, the Rangers have a great shot of blowing the division wide open if they can continue to best out the Rays. The Rangers will send pitcher Nathan Evoladi on the mound on Tuesday as they look to take the series from the American League leaders.
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Vinay Dave
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