Energized Rangers infused with new life after sweep of Brewers

ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Bruce Bochy always says that to have a good season, you need your core guys to have their typical seasons, in addition to a few surprises along the way.

The first two games against the Brewers this week included a big surprise by Michael Helman. But during Wednesday’s series finale, Jake Burger was the star of the show.

The Rangers acquired Burger in a trade with the Marlins in December 2024, hoping he would be one of those core guys. And as of late, he’s performing like it.

“It feels like it’s somebody different every night ...” Burger began before he was cut off by outfielder Sam Haggerty from across the clubhouse.

“It was you today, Burg!” Haggerty yelled.

Yes, it was, Sam.

Burger’s two home runs powered the Rangers to a 6-3 win over the Brewers at Globe Life Field, completing a three-game sweep over the team with the best record in baseball. It is the first time that Milwaukee has been swept since Opening Weekend against the Yankees.

"Credit the Texas Rangers and how they're playing. They're on it," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. "You can see their young players, their fill-in guys, it reminds me of us in a lot of ways. They got every big hit. Burger was in Triple-A earlier in the season and he hits two big homers. We get 11 hits and we don't get the timely two-out hit. You could see it happening, you know?"

The Rangers' clubhouse is as energetic as it’s been all season long. For good reason.

This is the first time all season long that the Rangers (77-70) have been seven games over .500 or better, as they are now just a game back of the Mariners for the third and final AL Wild Card spot. In addition, they pulled within two games of the Astros for first place in the AL West.

“It’s been pretty awesome just across the board,” Burger said of the recent surge. “Again, it feels like it's somebody new every single night that's getting in the mix and doing something cool. It’s just really cool to have that collective team identity. That makes it really exciting.”

Rangers starter Merrill Kelly allowed back-to-back homers from Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio to begin the game, before settling in and allowing only one more run across his final 4 2/3 innings of work.

It seemed like the Rangers would have their hands full on the offensive side of the ball. Freddy Peralta hadn't allowed a run over his previous five starts. The last time he allowed a run was Aug. 5 against the Braves in Atlanta when he gave up just one run in five innings.

Burger alone accounted for three RBIs against him.

“He's got his timing more than anything,” Bochy said of Burger. “He's strong. I mean, look at where he's hitting these home runs. It's not easy to hit ‘em out here, but he gets pitches he could handle. You always look for someone to come through and have a big day. Burger was the guy today. He’s just got big power.”

Wednesday’s win is just another example of how quickly the Rangers have turned things around lately. Burger isn’t one of the young guys who have been the stars of the show lately, but Bochy still noted that the rise in energy has been a big part of the Rangers’ recent success.

“I think it's been fun for [the veterans] to watch,” Bochy said Tuesday. “We're seeing these young guys coming up and having fun, playing loose, playing with joy. When you look at them, they're all smiling, having a good time. I think the enthusiasm from the young guys is contagious to the veterans. They're having a blast too.”

There’s been an infusion of energy into the Rangers’ clubhouse thanks to the young and scrappy players who have been called up in the wake of injuries. But there also remains the veteran-like mentality of taking everything one game at a time.

Bochy has preached flushing both the wins and the losses, turning to page to the next each and every time you come to the ballpark. The combination of those two mindsets has led to the best stretch of Rangers baseball all season.

“[We have to] keep proving people wrong,” Burger said. “We keep the same energy and we believe in the guys in this clubhouse. We don't know how it's going to happen on a nightly basis, but I know I believe in every single one of these guys. We're going to go out there and give it our all every single night, because we know what's on the line here.

“Every single night is make or break. I think that's a fun spot to be in. Honestly, I don't like coasting. I like when every single pitch matters, and every single play matters. I think we have the energy and the enthusiasm to do that every night.”