ARLINGTON -- Nicky Lopez, in theory, is supposed to be here to get on base and put the ball in play.
He’s not a power hitter. He can bunt, he can beat out an infield single, he’s got bat-to-ball skills. But he’s not really here to slug the ball. So of course, Lopez’s first hit as a member of the Rangers came in the sixth inning on Friday night, when he launched a two-out, two-run homer into the Rangers’ bullpen in right-center field.
For maybe the first time all season, the Rangers scored early AND often. Lopez’s sixth inning homer was one of the final blows that eventually led to an 9-1 victory over the Royals to open the three-game set at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers put up a four-spot in the first inning, assisted by a pair of throwing errors by Royals players. They tacked onto the lead with homers from Lopez, Brandon Nimmo and Joc Pederson in the middle innings, which had recently been a struggle.
“I feel like we're still searching a little bit for our offensive identity,” manager Skip Schumaker said pregame.
The offense has been the biggest talking point for most of this season, and even the last two before it. Being able to score at a more consistent clip, obviously, will go a long way.
Hopefully Friday was a step in that direction.