Rangers drop to Mets in defensive mess

Texas lost 6-3 to New York on Tuesday, with sloppy defense undermining the pitching staff. The loss dropped the Rangers into a tie with Houston for the AL West lead.

Rangers' sole lead lasted just three days

Texas had held first place for 51 days this season, but their one-game edge over Houston evaporated after the Astros beat Seattle 7-0 on Tuesday. The Rangers gained four games on Houston since September 12.

Fundamentals failed when it mattered most

The Rangers recorded just one official error but made multiple defensive miscues. First baseman Jake Burger's double pump on a foul popup allowed a Mets run to score in the sixth inning.

“Can't expect to win the division when we're playing like that, on three obviously separate occasions.”

Gore battles through muscle spasms

MacKenzie Gore pitched five innings despite dealing with muscle spasms that affected his velocity. He allowed two runs (one earned) before handing the ball to Nathan Eovaldi.

“He grinded that out. He gave everything he had today, an impressive outing.”

Eovaldi falters in messy sixth inning

Nathan Eovaldi allowed three runs in the sixth as the Mets took a lead they never relinquished. Manager Skip Schumaker said Eovaldi failed to execute pitches he normally commands.

“I just thought there was just a couple pitches that he's used to executing that got too much of the plate tonight.”

Pitching injuries strain Rangers' depth

Texas has walked a tightrope with its pitching staff all month due to injuries. The team needs to perform flawlessly in all other areas to stay competitive with five games remaining.

Five games left to catch Houston

Both the Rangers and Astros have five games remaining in the regular season. Texas must focus on executing their own game rather than worrying about Houston's results.

“It's about us and it's about what we do out there. I don't think we should focus on any other team.”