With the Texas Rangers' 2013 season long-gone in the rear-view, let's take a look at some of the season's defining moments, both good and bad, in a season that ultimately fell short of the Rangers' expectations.
Moment: Rangers make an early statement by sweeping AL's best team and eventual world champs
When/Where: May 3-5, Arlington
What: The Rangers hosted the Boston Red Sox, owners of baseball's best record at the time (20-8) and a red-hot, scorching former Rangers fan favorite in Mike Napoli for a three-game set at Rangers Ballpark and came away with a rousing sweep of the Red Sox with wins of 7-0, 5-1 and 4-3. By the time the series was over, the Rangers were tied with the Red Sox and Cardinals for the best record in baseball thanks to a huge series that included a stellar start from Derek Holland that saw him allow just six hits and no runs over eight innings of work with nine strikeouts and a walk to get the series started with the 7-0 win.
Of course, the teams' fortunes played out like they did and the Red Sox hoisted the World Series trophy in October, but the series sent a big statement that the new-look Rangers could compete.
Next up: Walkoff throw-out
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