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Rangers hope for turnaround in Toronto

Apr 16, 2008 - 12:28 PM Texas (5-9) at Toronto (8-6) 7:07 pm EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) - The Texas Rangers try to recover from a 2-6 homestand on Wednesday when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays.

Texas has dropped five in a row, including three to the Blue Jays over the weekend. While the pitching has been surprisingly solid, the offense has had trouble hitting with runners in scoring position, batting below .200.

The club left seven runners in scoring position in a 7-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday, scoring just four runs despite generating 10 hits and drawing seven walks.

The Rangers will turn to their most successful starter so far this season when Kason Gabbard (1-0, 2.13 ERA) takes the mound. The lefthander allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings to take a no decision last Thursday, but tossed seven scoreless innings in his season debut.

Gabbard will be looking to slow a Toronto offense that hit over .300 during a 4-1 road trip. The Blue Jays scored 17 runs in their sweep of Texas.

Toronto will counter with Jesse Litsch (2-0, 3.37). The 23-year-old righthander has allowed two earned runs in each of his two starts this season, including picking up a win with 5 2/3 strong innings at Texas last Friday.

The Rangers, who began the season 3-3 on a six-game road trip, will play the next nine games away from home.