Brian Matusz tossed eight scoreless innings against the Orioles Rangers Thursday night, walking just one batter while striking out six. Matusz’s control has been a problem this year, but since Buck Showalter took over, he walked just five batters in 22 innings while striking out 15. Keeping that up will make his life as a pitcher much easier.

The Rangers have lost four in a row to start their trip through the east. With the Angels winning and Oakland playing, both teams could end up seven games out at the end of the evening. It’s a small opening the Rangers are giving these teams as Texas takes time to get healthy. We’ll see if either trailer can take advantage of it.