The Texas Rangers Lose on Wednesday Night to Fall a Game Back of the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wildcard Race

The Texas Rangers battle for a playoff spot continued last night against the Tampa Bay Rays as they try to stay in the American League wildcard spot.  They were looking to build off of a win on Tuesday night that ended a seven game losing streak.  Texas would not do this however as they lost in twelve innings with a final score of 4-3.

Texas would send starter Derek Holland (Pictured on the left) to the mound who would have a nice outing, but thanks to very little run support was not a factor in the loss.  Holland pitched six strong innings as he allowed just two runs on six hits.  The pitching problems for Texas would come from a somewhat unfamiliar source as closer Joe Nathan would blow a lead that Adrian Beltre gave the Rangers when he knocked in Elvis Andrus in the top of the 11th.  Reliever Joseph Ortiz would be awarded the loss as he would give up a walk off single to Tampa Bay's Desmond Jennings in the bottom of the 12th.

The loss is makes the team 4-14 in their last 18 contests.  They will try to avoid yet another series sweep tonight as they play game four of this midweek series with first pitch set for 6:10 pm from Tropicana Field and can be seen on FOX Sports SW.