In an exciting clash, the Texas Rangers secured a 4-2 victory against the struggling Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon. Both Evan Carter and Jake Burger missed the chance to hit the cycle by only needing a triple in their impressive performances.
Carter displayed his skills by hitting a powerful two-run homer, along with a double and a single in his first three at-bats. However, he struck out in the eighth inning. Burger, on his part, hit a double, flied out, and got a single before blasting an essential insurance home run in the eighth inning.
The Rangers relied on their bullpen with Jacob Webb, one of five pitchers who participated, claiming his third win of the season by throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Robert Garcia made a significant contribution too, recording four outs and earning his fourth save of the season.
Following a 5-0 win with Jacob deGrom on the mound the previous day, the Rangers have now recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since a six-game streak in mid-May.
For the slumping Nationals, Alex Call stood out with a home run and a single. Despite their efforts, the team has managed to score only 11 runs in their last seven games. Nathaniel Lowe was notable as well, securing three of their six hits.
Washington’s starting pitcher, Trevor Williams, now 3-7 for the season, allowed three runs, two of which were earned, alongside six hits in his 4 1/3 innings of work.
The game faced a significant delay due to rain, pushing the first pitch back by an hour and 40 minutes.
One of Texas’s strategic moves came in the second inning when Marcus Semien reached base on a tricky-hop single, setting the stage for Carter’s two-run homer a batter later.
In the fourth inning, Call’s homer tied the game at 2. Shortly after, Amed Rosario walked and scored to further level the game using a fielder’s choice.
A pivotal moment came in the fifth when Semien hit a crucial groundout that allowed Josh Smith to score what turned out to be the go-ahead run. Smith had set this in motion by doubling and advancing on an error.
Jacob Latz opened the game for Texas, delivering 3 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts, conceding two runs on two hits. However, Latz made an early exit after feeling discomfort related to a cut on his thumb, leaving the game in the care of the trainer.
A critical defensive play occurred in the eighth inning. After a fielding error allowed Call to reach base with two outs, Garcia entered and efficiently ended the threat by inducing a groundout from James Wood.
The Rangers’ Marcus Semien has been on an impressive tear lately with a .517 batting average over his last nine games, which includes hitting three home runs and driving in nine runs. On the opposite spectrum, shortstop Corey Seager has been in a slump, going hitless in his last 25 at-bats.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will place their hopes on right-hander Tyler Mahle, who is set to start the opening game of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, the Nationals will have left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the mound as they gear up for a series with the New York Mets.