MLB Game Preview - Texas at Toronto
Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:37 PM EDT

TEX
7
TOR
3
F
BAL
5
NYY
6
F
BOS
5
CLE
1
F
MIN
5
MIL
6
F
HOU
9
CHW
13
F
ARI
6
COL
7
F
TB
2
SD
7
F
OAK
9
SF
5
F
CIN
7
WSH
17
F
CHC
1
PHI
11
F
LAD
9
MIA
1
F
SEA
2
DET
3
F
NYM
4
ATL
6
F
PIT
4
LAA
7
F
STL
6
KC
0
F
Texas hopes to eke out win for Woodward in Toronto
Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:51 AM

Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward spent a large part of his playing career in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

"I'll always be grateful to this organization for giving me a shot and taking a chance on me," Woodward said this week during the Rangers' visit to Toronto. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Blue Jays."

As much as he appreciates what the Blue Jays did for his career, Woodward would like to get out of town with a win.

After dropping the first two games of the three-game series, the Rangers have one last chance Wednesday afternoon. By avoiding a sweep, a Rangers victory would also mean they would complete the season series against the Blue Jays even at three wins each.

Left-hander Kolby Allard (0-0, 4.15 ERA) will start for the Rangers on Wednesday, with right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (2-2, 2.36 ERA) going for the Blue Jays.

The Rangers continued to struggle with the bats Tuesday in a 3-0 loss that was at least closer than the 19-4 trouncing they were subjected to by the Blue Jays in the opener on Monday.

The Rangers stranded 10 runners Tuesday as they dropped to 2-6 with one game left on a nine-game road trip. The Rangers have scored a total of 14 runs on the trip.

"I think you try to do too much when you're in a funk," said Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, who was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Tuesday and is 6-for-27 on the trip. "The only way we're going to get out of it is if everybody does their job. Everybody has to do the little things, stop thinking big, get back to the ABCs and just fight every inning. Especially early."

The Rangers had chances, particularly in the first inning when they loaded the bases with one out against opener Wilmer Font.

"The key of the game was Font getting out of trouble in the first inning," Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said.

After Font pitched two innings, Thomas Pannone followed with four innings to earn the win.

An important development for the Blue Jays was Ken Giles earning his 16th save by pitching around a walk in the ninth. It was his first outing since Aug. 7 because of elbow inflammation.

"It was good to see him out there and getting the save," Montoyo said. "He was throwing well and felt good, so this is a good thing."

Allard will make his second start of the season and the third of his major league career Wednesday. The 21-year-old was obtained from the Atlanta Braves on July 30 in exchange for right-hander Chris Martin. He was 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 21 starts at Triple-A between Gwinnett and Nashville.

Reid-Foley will make his sixth start of the season Wednesday. He has a 1.29 ERA (two earned runs over 14 innings) in three starts since being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. This will be the first time he has faced the Rangers.

Woodward has his fond memories of Toronto.

"My family was started here," he said. "My wife is from here. My daughter (Sophie) was born here. My first dog was from here. I was like three-quarters Canadian at that point. This was home for years. This was the first place I had a home as a family."

A win on Wednesday would help complete the picture.

--Field Level Media

Team Record Comparison

Team Standings GB W-L Aw/Hm Stk L10
Texas            
Toronto            

Scheduled Starting Pitchers

Kolby Allard - PHI
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. Toronto
Sean Reid-Foley - NYM
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. Texas

Hot Batters (Last 10 team games)

Injury Report

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