ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers staged an impressive comeback as they overcame two two-run deficits to defeat the Los Angeles Angels with a score of 6-4 on Saturday night. The game-changing moment came in the seventh inning when Josh Smith smacked a two-run single, putting the Rangers ahead for the first time. This clutch hit followed Marcus Semien’s RBI single, who ended his 5-for-39 slump, giving the Rangers the lead after a 3-run outburst.
Victor Mederos (0-1) had just issued a walk on a pitch-clock violation, walking the No. 8 and 9 batters with two outs. Jose Leclerc (6-4) took charge in the seventh, retiring the only two batters he faced. In the final inning, All-Star closer Kirby Yates earned his 28th save in 29 chances.
Texas Rangers, although out of playoff contention, displayed determination and resilience, winning nine out of their last 12 games. Even though they are still 8.5 games behind AL West-leading Houston and 7.5 games out of a wild-card spot, the Rangers continue to fight till the end.
“At this point in the season, just to show that fight kind of shows what everybody’s made up [of] a little bit,” said Josh Smith, acknowledging the team’s determination.
The game between the Rangers and Angels marked the opening of the Globe Life Park roof, a significant event after being closed since May 17. The Angels took an early lead when Taylor Ward hit his 22nd homer, extending his on-base streak to 17 games. However, Rangers rookie starter Jack Leiter showed his potential by retiring 15 of the next 17 batters and recording a career-high six strikeouts.
Angels’ starter Tyler Anderson had an impressive five-inning performance, allowing only one hit and striking out seven. However, he couldn’t maintain his dominance as the Rangers’ Ezequiel Duran hit a crucial two-run double in the fifth inning, capitalizing on an error by Anthony Rendon and a walk.
Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy expressed his team’s determination, stating, “We know where we’re at, and so it’s up to us to keep going out there and playing hard, trying to win ballgames.” This mindset has led the Rangers to secure their 32nd comeback win this season.
Rangers’ LHP Andrew Heaney (4-13) continues to seek a win in his last three starts, despite allowing only one run over 15 innings.
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