ARLINGTON, Texas -- The red-hot Texas Rangers open a quick two-game interleague series at home against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night looking to extend history.
The Rangers, winners of a season-high seven in a row, are after their 11th consecutive series win against the last-place team in the National League Central. Texas ran its club-record series win streak to 10 by rallying past Baltimore 4-3 Monday night in a one-game set.
That is the longest run in the American League since Tampa Bay won 10 straight in 2013. Texas would need to win both games against the Reds this week for an 11th straight series win, something no team has done since the 2002 Oakland A's.
"It's fun," Texas center fielder Ian Desmond said. "Winning is awesome. We're clicking on all cylinders."
The Rangers (46-25) also lead the major leagues with 23 come-from-behind wins and are now 17-4 in one-run games, the most such wins in the majors. Each of Texas' last four wins beginning Friday has been by one run.
"Our confidence has continued to grow in what they've been able to do," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "Obviously, we know the struggles we had earlier in the year, but these guys have shored themselves up. They're doing the things that we thought they were going to be able to do coming out of spring training."
Texas is 5-1 against the National League so far this season. The Reds and Rangers haven't met since 2013. The all-time series is 6-6, with Texas holding a 4-2 edge in Arlington.
Veteran right-hander Colby Lewis (6-0, 2.81 ERA) is taking the hill for Texas. Lewis is coming off a no-hit bid at Oakland last week, giving up his first hit in the ninth. He has a 1.55 ERA in his last four starts.
The Reds (27-43) are throwing righty Anthony DeSclafani, who owns a 2.08 ERA in two starts since coming off the disabled list. DeSclafani, 26, is part of a youth movement that includes pitcher Cody Reed and infielder Jose Peraza.
"It's exciting because this is what we've all talked about," Cincinnati manager Bryan Price told MLB.com. "We've anticipated it would happen a little bit sooner. We didn't anticipate the health issues, and didn't think we'd come out of Spring Training with all the issues and injuries.
"I did anticipate we'd get to the point where these young guys would impact our ballclub, and begin to learn how to play at this level and find their way to success."
There has been a turnaround on the field, too. After opening the season 17-35, the Reds are 10-8 in June.
After a three-game series at Houston ended Sunday, the Reds spent an off day in the Dallas area on Monday.
Texas is also honoring the 1996 Rangers before the game. That club was the first playoff team in club history and featured AL MVP Juan Gonzalez.
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