In Arlington, Texas, the Texas Rangers managed to clinch a narrow 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies in their first game following the dismissal of manager Bud Black. The turning point came in the sixth inning when Wyatt Langford smashed a two-run home run to put the Rangers on the scoreboard, breaking the Rockiesโ no-hit attempt.
Coloradoโs rookie pitcher, Chase Dollander, had an impressive run in his seventh major league start. After allowing a walk to the first batter he faced, Dollander then successfully retired 15 consecutive batters until Langfordโs critical homer. Dollander ended his six-inning stint having allowed just one hit, while striking out seven, with 49 of his 85 pitches being strikes.
The Rockies, under interim manager Warren Schaeffer, who stepped up from his role as third base coach, got on the board first. Their initial lead was secured in the second inning when Hunter Goodman hit a leadoff single and subsequently scored on a two-out single by Nick Martini.
Tyler Mahle, the starting pitcher for Texas, contributed significantly to the Rangersโ win, striking out five and walking just one over 6 1/3 innings. Despite boasting a strong 1.47 ERA, which ranks as the second-best in the majors, this victory was Mahleโs first in his last five starts, during which the Rangers experienced two home shutouts.
The game tightened in the final inning as reliever Jacob Webb navigated a bases-loaded situation to secure his first save. Earlier, closer Luke Jacksonโs outing was cut short after he was hit on his right hand by a sharply hit comebacker from Ryan McMahon.
Looking ahead, Coloradoโs left-hander Kyle Freeland, with a record of 0-4 and an ERA of 6.41, is set to pitch on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, for Texas, right-hander Jake Leiter, holding a record of 2-2 and an ERA of 5.09, will be aiming for his first win in his last four starts, following his initial pair of victories.