=== Texas Rangers Team Report - May 20 === (My Sportsbook) - The Texas Rangers try to avoid being swept by the Kansas City Royals tonight, as they play the final contest of a three-game series at Ameriquest Field. On Wednesday, Juan Gonzalez smacked a three-run homer to lead Kansas City to a 5-3 win over Texas. Hank Blalock finished with two hits, including a homer, for the Rangers, who have lost three straight and five of six. This is the first three-game skid for Texas since it dropped five straight from September 21-26. Chan Ho Park, the Texas starter, absorbed the loss after giving up five runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. Park (2-4) also walked four. Joaquin Benoit will try to avoid his second straight loss, as he takes the ball for Texas tonight. Benoit made his first two appearances of the season out of the bullpen, but since then has started four games. Benoit was pounded last Friday in Detroit, surrendering five runs in 6 1/3 innings. He allowed three home runs, but struck out six batters and walked just one. The Royals have taken three of five in the season series, but the Rangers are 15-8 against the Royals since the start of the 2002 season. |
