Another series, another sweep. Too bad for the Texas Rangers, who have been on the losing side two series in a row. The two losses to Arizona made it five straight losses, eight straight losses at home.

This most recent home losing streak brings the team's home record to 15-24 (compared to a 26-20 road record). That makes the overall record 41-44 -- 6.5 behind the surprise Astros. It also makes them five games behind the streaking Angels in the wild card spot.

The Rangers are now officially limping into the all-star break.

Tired and hurt is the perfect combination to be out of the playoff race by the trade deadline. The Rangers are both right now. If they want to make the playoffs they need to get hot coming out of the all-star break, or hope for the Astros to fall out of orbit.

This weekend, the Padres and former Ranger assistant GM A.J. Preller come to town. The Padres enter Arlington with a 39-48 record, 2-8 in their last 10. After all of the moves the Padres made in the off-season, especially the revamped outfield and getting a shiny new closer, they have not lived up to expectations.

Pitching Matchups:

Game one tonight sets Ian Kennedy (4-8, 4.84 ERA), who is sporting a 3.54 ERA on the road, versus Wandy Rodriguez (5-4, 4.23 ERA), who has a 7.42 ERA in Arlington this year.

Tune in Saturday to see James Shields (7-3, 3.88 ERA) duke it out with the one-hip wonder Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.83 ERA)

Saving the best for last on Sunday, Tyson Ross (5-7, 3.56 ERA) goes up against Yovani Gallardo (7-7, 2.67 ERA).

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