from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers are in quite a groove right now, and they know it.Its an unbelievable lineup, catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. Anybody can hurt you on any given day.The Rangers (69-48) are in firm control in the American League West thanks to a recent 14-6 surge thats given Texas a 7 1/2-game cushion over Seattle and Houston in the division. Its also been six wins in the last seven games, including Fridays 8-5 victory over Detroit.The Rangers and Tigers continue their three-game set with the middle game Saturday night at Globe Life Park. Texas has beaten Detroit six straight times, with the last four coming this season.The Rangers look to make it seven in a row with ace Cole Hamels (12-3, 2.89 ERA) taking the mound for the 24th time this season. The lefty has gone 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break. Hamels is 3-1 lifetime against Detroit.Detroit (61-54) hopes to snap a five-game skid with left-hander Matt Boyd (3-2, 4.69) making his 11th start of the season. Boyd is 0-3 record with a 7.63 ERA in his career against Texas.Boyd made a relief appearance Aug. 9 at Seattle, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless inning. His last start was Aug. 6 against the New York Mets, picking up the win after giving up three runs on six hits with five strikeouts over five innings.The Tigers are in the midst of their second-longest skid of the season. Detroit is 1 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot in the American League.The ups and downs, its hard to describe for people that dont go through it, Tigers catcher James McCann said, but its something we just have to grind our way through.Texas owns the best record in the A.L. and the best 117-game mark in franchise history. The Rangers are 36-18 at home, their best start ever through 54 games.The long ball was good for the Rangers in the series opener, as Texas went deep four times. Trade-deadline pickup Jonathan Lucroy hit two homers to give him six since joining the Rangers on Aug. 1.Lucroy has earned kudos for his handling of the pitching staff in addition to his bat.He doesnt miss his pitch very often, Texas manager Jeff Banister said. For him to come in and really make an immediate impact, not only defensively but offensively, is pretty special.Texas leads the major leagues with 89 home runs since June 9.The Tigers suffered another injury before Fridays game as shortstop Jose Iglesias was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain. Third baseman Nick Castellanos and center fielder Cameron Maybin are also on the DL, along with starting pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey.Were backed into a little bit of a corner because of injuries, manager Brad Ausmus said. Our depth at Triple-A is kind of all here right now because of the injuries.Stephen Piscotty Jersey . -- There were so many positives from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it was hard for coach Jacque Vaughn to stop praising his players. Tim Hudson Jersey . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1. https://www.cheapathleticsonline.com/1545m-mark-mulder-jersey-athletics.html .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jas