In a notable performance on Saturday, Jacob deGrom showcased his pitching prowess by conceding only two hits across seven scoreless innings, steering the Texas Rangers to a 5-0 triumph over the Washington Nationals. This victory ended a four-game losing streak for the Rangers. DeGrom, who improved his season record to 6-2, struck out eight batters and lowered his ERA to 2.12 while throwing just 81 pitches. The win was secured as Luke Jackson and Chris Martin each contributed a scoreless inning to wrap up the game.
The Rangers got off to a promising start when Sam Haggerty and Josh Jung hit consecutive singles against Nationals’ starter Mitchell Parker in the opening inning. Marcus Semien delivered a single that drove Haggerty home, and Jung capitalized on an error by center fielder Robert Hassell III to score from first base.
Parker settled in afterward, retiring 14 consecutive batters after Semien’s hit. However, Haggerty managed to reach base again with a well-placed grounder in the sixth. Wyatt Langford’s fly ball caught at the warning track by Hassell resulted in a double play, courtesy of a proficient throw to second base, marking Hassell’s second career assist.
The Rangers widened the gap in the eighth inning, adding three runs against reliever Eduardo Salazar. Consecutive singles by Haggerty and Langford set the stage for Semien, who doubled in two more runs. Adolis García then brought in the final run of the day with a single.
Parker, who dropped to 4-6 with the loss, allowed just two runs—one unearned—over six innings, conceding only four hits.
In a tense moment during the game, Jackson took over from deGrom in the eighth inning and gave up a single and a walk. Nonetheless, he quickly regained control, inducing a double play from Keibert Ruiz and then retiring José Tena on a groundout.
A significant statistic from the game highlighted deGrom’s resilience this season. He has taken to the mound for 14 starts, already eclipsing his total for any of the past three seasons. Notably, he hasn’t exceeded 15 starts in a season since recording 32 with the Mets in 2019.
Looking ahead, the Rangers had yet to announce their starting pitcher for Sunday’s game at the time of the report, while the Nationals are set to start right-hander Trevor Williams, who holds a season record of 3-6, with an ERA of 6.03.