gotchanewsdaily.com 
Right fielder Adolis García dives for a ball during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 5 at Globe Life Field.
The sounds of bats cracking, laughter and a calm energy created a welcoming atmosphere as fans took selfies, indulging in food and drinks. “Let’s go Rangers,” chants rang all afternoon.
After winning two straight games, the Rangers (73-80) dropped their series finale 4-0 against the Toronto Blue Jays (73-80) on Thursday at Globe Life Field. Toronto nearly produced a no-hitter but Rangers shortstop Josh Smith spoiled those chances despite their scoreless defeat.
Although the Rangers aren’t officially eliminated from the postseason, they trail nine games behind the American League West. But that hasn’t stopped Plano resident Rayna Williams from enjoying good baseball.
“When I would come at the beginning of the season, I was really stressed out, especially when we would play bad,” Williams said. “But, now knowing that we’re out of it, I’m more at ease knowing that, I mean we just won, we don’t have anything to prove, but I could just come and enjoy baseball.”
Williams has been a fan for 10 years and attends over 10 games a season. She said rising players like pitcher Kumar Rocker and outfielder Wyatt Langford, who are getting more playing time and are having big successes, bring her out.
“Seeing a new cycle of Rangers players come in and immediately make an impact is fun to see,” she said.
However, those feelings weren’t always there. Williams said she used to hate Rocker.
As a Mississippi State University fan, Williams said the former Vanderbilt University standout always beat her college team. Now drafted by the Rangers, she said she’s a huge fan.
“It wasn’t until he got drafted by the Rangers and I became a really big fan of him,” Williams said. “It went from him being someone who would always beat my team, to being on my team.”
During Thursday’s game, Rocker pitched five strikeouts in his home debut but allowed two hits and two runs.
Toronto spoiled Rocker’s debut but Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said there are going to be days like that. He said it wasn’t a sharp performance but Rocker battled well.
“The command was off, but still, he continued to try to make pitches,” Bochy said.
Williams said with the season’s inconsistency, the team won’t see the same success from last year. But, she said seeing new players showcase their talents has been a positive.
After a season rattled with injuries, Williams said she’s looking forward to having a healthy team next season and watching them start on a clean slate.
As a fan for nearly 20 years, Lewisville resident Luis Cevallos said the fan experience and atmosphere is what brings him out.
Watching the rookies play and witnessing comeback wins have stood out this season, Cevallos said. Thursday’s game was a chance to see Rocker play after missing him during spring training.
Williams said fans are having more fun without being as uptight and frustrated as they were midway through the season when the team was struggling.
“Now the vibes in the game and the feeling are just more of like, wanting to come and see good baseball, wanting to cheer them on for the last couple of games and wanting to end the season on a high note,” she said.
The Rangers will be back in action against the Seattle Mariners 7:05 p.m. Friday at Globe Life Field to wrap up their final home series of the season.
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