Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Indians
7:05 PM ET, June 2, 2011
Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
Heading into this season, it seemed highly unlikely that Texas' four-game set in Cleveland this weekend would have the makings of a potential postseason preview.
That will be the case, however, as the Rangers look to continue their recent success against the Indians on Thursday night in the opener between these division leaders.
While it's hardly a shock for the reigning AL champion Rangers (30-26) to have a 1 1/2-game lead in the West, it's a major surprise for a Cleveland club that failed to win 70 games each of the last two seasons to hold a five-game cushion atop the Central with an AL-best 33-20 record.
"They are a bunch of young guys that (manager) Manny Acta is just letting play and do what they do," Rangers manager Ron Washington told the team's official website. "They beat you a lot of ways -- stealing bags, beating you with the long ball, beating you on the mound. They are playing well together."
Cleveland has proved Washington right by winning the last two of a three-game set in Toronto to conclude a 3-3 trip.
That will be the case, however, as the Rangers look to continue their recent success against the Indians on Thursday night in the opener between these division leaders.
While it's hardly a shock for the reigning AL champion Rangers (30-26) to have a 1 1/2-game lead in the West, it's a major surprise for a Cleveland club that failed to win 70 games each of the last two seasons to hold a five-game cushion atop the Central with an AL-best 33-20 record.
"They are a bunch of young guys that (manager) Manny Acta is just letting play and do what they do," Rangers manager Ron Washington told the team's official website. "They beat you a lot of ways -- stealing bags, beating you with the long ball, beating you on the mound. They are playing well together."
Cleveland has proved Washington right by winning the last two of a three-game set in Toronto to conclude a 3-3 trip.
Watch Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Indians Live Streaming Free MLB June 2, 2011
