The Phillies sputtered again in Wednesday's series finale in Arlington, falling 4-2 to the Rangers while extending their losing skid to three games.
Defensive miscues again hurt the Phils as Rhys Hoskins misplayed a double-play ball in the second inning, allowing Nathaniel Lowe to reach base and Jonah Heim to advance to second following a leadoff walk. Brad Miller drove in the pair later in the frame with a two-run single to right field to give the Rangers an early 2-0 advantage.
Kyle Schwarber answered for the Phillies in the third, launching a changeup for a two-run homer to even the contest 2-2.
Kole Calhoun carried the Rangers through the middle innings, driving in the go-ahead run in the third with an RBI single before adding an insurance run with an RBI double in the fifth.
The victory concluded a four-game season-series sweep for the Rangers over the Phillies.
The Phillies haven't beaten the Rangers since 2014.
Starting Pitcher Comparison
Zack Wheeler didn't have his best stuff but still collected eight strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings. As has been the case several times this season, he wasn't helped much by the defense. He surrendered four runs (two earned) on seven hits.
Veteran Jon Gray improved to 3-3 on the season with the win, surrendering two runs over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out five while scattering four hits.
Phillies Star of the Game
Kyle Schwarber accounted for the Phils' offense on the afternoon, hitting a two-run homer in the third. He's hit three homers over his last seven games while hitting .269.
What's Next
The Phillies travel to San Diego to open a four-game set with the Padres on Thursday. The Padres entered Wednesday with a half-game lead over the Dodgers in the NL West and the second-largest run differential (+72) in the National League. Left-hander Ranger Suarez (5-4, 4.43) will start the series opener for the Phillies, he'll oppose right-hander Jon Musgrove (8-0, 1.59).
