The Texas Rangers’ playoff hopes took a significant hit following a heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Mariners. The Rangers, who were leading by three runs heading into the ninth inning, saw their bullpen collapse as the Mariners rallied for a dramatic walk-off win. The loss leaves the Rangers on the outside looking in at the Wild Card race, with just a handful of games remaining in the regular season.

The game was a microcosm of the Rangers’ season, as their bullpen struggles once again cost them a crucial victory. Aroldis Chapman, who was brought in to close out the game, gave up a game-tying three-run home run to Julio Rodríguez, followed by the walk-off hit from Ty France. The Rangers’ offense, which had been led by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, provided enough run support, but it was all undone by the bullpen’s inability to hold the lead.

Manager Bruce Bochy expressed his frustration after the game, acknowledging that the team’s bullpen has been an issue all season. With the loss, the Rangers’ playoff hopes are now on life support, and they will need to win out and get help from other teams to have any chance of making the postseason.

As the Rangers look ahead, the focus will likely shift to the offseason, where they will need to address their bullpen issues and bolster their pitching staff. The team’s core of Seager, Semien, and Adolis García gives them a strong foundation, but without reliable pitching, the Rangers will struggle to compete in the tough AL West.

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