There are big games in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) on the schedule for Wednesday. The outcome of both could be decisive moments for both.

Tampa Bay Needs a Win

Earlier this week, two of the American League’s top teams concluded a long succession of baseball games in the great Lone Star State. On Wednesday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays found themselves away from home when they faced the Texas Rangers in a three-game series. The series opener on Monday night witnessed the Texas team secure a 3-2 victory, taking an early lead.

In Tuesday’s game, Texas suffered a loss in Game 2 with a final score of 5-3. However, the Rays have a chance today to turn things around and secure a win. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, faced its third straight loss and tenth loss in the last thirteen games after losing the first two games of the series. With a 60-38 record this season, the Rays currently have a slight one-game lead over the Orioles, placing them in first place in the AL East division.

In a triumphant display Monday night, the Texas team secured the victory, extending its winning streak to four straight games and effectively claiming the first game of the series. Building on this momentous achievement, they continued their winning streak by securing their fifth straight win against Tampa with an impressive 5-3 score. As the season progresses, the Rangers’ record stands at an impressive 57-39, firmly positioning them in first place within the AL West, with a dominant 4.5-game lead over their formidable rivals, the Astros.

The Rangers triumphed in the inaugural series, leaving a noticeable impact. It remains captivating to watch the strategic moves these teams make to increase their roster ahead of the trade deadline, in preparation for an exciting playoff campaign.

Washington Nationals In the Hunt

The Washington Nationals find themselves engaged in fierce competition against another NL team as they level the series in the bustling metropolis. On Wednesday night, the Nationals are away from home, tying the Chicago Cubs in a tie in the three-game series. In an energizing start to the series Monday night, it was the Nationals who triumphed with a 7-5 victory, making their mark as the favorites.

After suffering two straight losses, Washington managed to snap the streak and secure its fourth win in the span of six games, following its successful regular-season opener Monday night. The Nationals, who currently have a 38-56 record, sit at the bottom of the NL East, behind 24 games behind the Braves, who currently lead the division. In addition, they face a 14-game deficit behind the Marlins to secure the final spot in the NL.

The Cubs, with a 43-50 record, lost their home game Monday night, resulting in their 1-3 performance since the All-Star break. As a consequence, they currently rank third in the NL Central, behind the Brewers by 8.5 games.

In addition, they are positioned 8.5 games behind the Marlins for the last place in the National League. Chicago started the week on a sour note: Their slump began Monday night when they failed to catch up with their opponents, resulting in a disappointing loss.

Even though both teams experienced several fluctuations throughout the season, the Cubs are on track for a spot in the playoff table, primarily due to the disappointing performance of the NL Central. Another win today will help.