The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We've all heard that quote (often attributed to Albert Einstein) countless times, but that doesn't stop us from insane actions.
Well, call me insane for betting the Rangers a night after they cost me money by blowing an eight-run lead in the seventh inning for the first time in franchise history. (They were previously 429-0.)
I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to fade Edwin Jackson as a near -130 road favorite in Arlington, so I put my money down once again on Texas.
Not surprisingly, Jackson didn't even make it through the fifth inning. The Oakland veteran allowed five earned runs on seven hits and two walks in just 4.1 innings.
After another subpar outing from an A's starter, the Rangers led 5-1 after five innings. Oakland threatened in the top of the sixth, but Texas starter Martin Perez got out of the jam unscathed. The lefty ground-ball specialist only allowed one run over six solid innings.
While they didn't hold an eight-run margin, the Rangers once again headed to the seventh with a substantial lead.
Cory Gearrin entered with a 5-1 lead in relief of Perez. After Josh Phegley greeted him with a single, Gearrin retired Marcus Semien and Nick Martini. However, he then lost the strike zone against Jed Lowrie, which brought up slugger Khris Davis with two on and two outs.
It's about that time. KD with a 3-run shot and the lead is down to ONE! #kHRushed#RootedInOaklandpic.twitter.com/IhDExZU5n0
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) July 26, 2018
Last night's hero came through once again, hitting a three-run bomb to center to cut the deficit to a single run.
Similar to Tuesday night, the Rangers couldn't add any insurance. However, they did find a way to hold the Athletics scoreless in the eighth inning.
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That meant Jose Leclerc came in for the save in the top of the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He got off to a good start by getting Semien to fly out.
But with Davis looming if anybody got on, Leclerc walked Martini. You could hear the collective gasps of Rangers bettors, who now started to beg for a double play before Davis came to the plate.
Leclerc did not get that double play, but he did strike out Lowrie. Two outs.
Showdown time.
A's: How do we top our comeback from last night?
KD (probably): Let's wait until our last strike tonight.#RootedInOaklandpic.twitter.com/8q2QrS0N1b— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) July 26, 2018
He. Did. It. Again.
Davis hits his second homer in the final three innings for a total of five RBIs. Both came with two outs.
Over the past two nights, the Athletics have outscored the Rangers 16-0 from the seventh inning on. Khris Davis drove in eight of those 16 runs on three home runs — two of which were game-winners.
I always say a short-term memory is necessary to last in this gig, but that can look and feel insane at times. I can't wait until my numbers tell me to bet the Rangers against the Athletics again Thursday!
When does football start?
