DETROIT โ Nathan Eovaldi delivered an outstanding performance by pitching seven scoreless innings, and with the assistance of two-run home runs from Marcus Semien and Josh Jung, the Texas Rangers overcame the Detroit Tigers with a decisive 6-1 victory on Sunday. Eovaldi, now holding a 4-2 record, dominated the Tigers by allowing only two hits and one walk, while also recording seven strikeouts in what marked his fifth consecutive quality start.
An interesting subplot of the game involved Josh Jung, who made history when he hit a two-run homer against his brother Jaceโs team on Motherโs Day, a feat not seen since Motherโs Day was officially recognized in 1914. Jace Jung was positioned at third base for Detroit. Their mother, Mary, had the honor of delivering the game ball to the pitcherโs mound before the game commenced.
The Rangersโ Jonas Heim also contributed with a solo home run, helping Texas clinch two out of three games against Detroit. This victory was crucial for the Rangers as they broke free from a streak of losing six consecutive series, while the Tigers entered the game boasting wins in their initial five home series of the season.
For Detroit, pitcher Reese Olson (4-3) managed to complete four innings but allowed three runs and seven hits alongside five strikeouts. Detroitโs sole run came in the ninth inning when Spencer Torkelson successfully hit a sacrifice fly to score a run, disrupting the Rangersโ pursuit of a shutout.
Texas was without shortstop Corey Seager, who sat out due to tightness in his hamstring. Notably, Seager had made a significant impact in the previous 10-3 victory with two solo homers and an RBI double.
A pivotal moment in the game was when Marcus Semien hit a home run in the second inning, following Adolis Garcรญaโs double, instantly eliminating Detroitโs pitcher Reese Olsonโs impressive streak of 38 2/3 innings without surrendering a home run.
Nathan Eovaldi seems to relish pitching at Comerica Park, as he has emerged victorious in all four of his career starts at the venue, maintaining a remarkable 1.13 ERA in these outings.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will send Tyler Mahle (3-1, 1.48 ERA) to the mound to initiate a three-game home series against Colorado on Monday, while the Tigersโ up-and-coming pitcher Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88 ERA) will confront Boston to kick off their three-game home series.