Rangers Beat Rays with Three-Homer Game

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

April 5, 2025

Rangers 6, Rays 4

ARLINGTON, Texas (Apr 5) — The Texas Rangers made a late comeback to win their middle game against the Tampa Bay Rays, 6–4, on Saturday night. Their bench was fueled by Marcus Semien, Jake Burger, and Wyatt Langford, who each hit crucial home runs in this one. The Rangers will go for the three-game sweep in a Sunday matinee with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 pm Central at Globe Life Field. Right-hander Drew Rasmussen (0–2, 2.83 ERA) will be on the mound for the Rays, while righty Kumar Rocker (0–1, 18.00 ERA) will get the ball for the Rangers.

Burger Bomb

The Rangers pushed across four of their runs in the bottom of the first against Rays starter Taj Bradley. Semien got things started with a solo blast to left-center, his first of the season.

Two batters later, Langford drew a walk. After Joc Pederson flied to center, Bradley issued a free pass to Adolis Garcia. Up next was Burger, who launched a three-run shot to left-center to extend the lead to 4–0.

Rays Tie it Up

The Rays got into the run column in the top of the third with Jacob deGrom on the mound for the Rangers. With two outs and nobody on, Brandon Lowe stepped in and belted a solo home run to right-center, his third of the year.

They cut the lead to one in the top of the sixth. Jonny DeLuca singled to left and stole second for his his fourth stolen base of the season. On deck was Jonathan Aranda. He hit a two-run home run to right field, his first of the year.

The Rays tied it later in the inning. A double to right by Kameron Misner brought Rangers manager Bruce Bochy to the mound to bring in reliever Jacob Webb. The first batter he faced was Curtis Mead. Mead drove in the tying-run, represented by Misner, with a double to center.

Langford Comes Through

The Rangers regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh off Rays reliever Mason Montgomery. Kevin Pillar entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Leody Taveras and singled to left. After Semien struck out swinging, Pillar stole second, his first of the season.

Two batters later, Langford came to the dish. He broke the tie with a two-run homer to left, sending the crowd of 29,058 into a frenzy.

What Went Right for the Rangers

It’s always nice when you have several guys in your lineup that feed off each other on any given night. That certainly was the case for Semien, Burger, and Langford with their home runs. Pillar’s pinch-hit single in the seventh shouldn’t be overlooked either. Things like that make winning streaks possible, and the Rangers have won four in a row.

What Went Wrong for the Rangers

Aranda’s home run was a bit of a problem for the Rangers on Saturday. The Rays kept chipping away at the Rangers’ lead. For a moment, it looked like they might take the lead from the Rangers, but the Rangers were able to hold on for the win.

deGrom’s Evening

Rangers starter Jacob deGrom took a no-decision for his effort of Saturday. He allowed four runs, all earned, on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. deGrom didn’t allow any walks and struck out three. The homers by Lowe and Aranda accounted for three of the four runs that he surrendered. He threw 82 pitches, 61 of which were strikes. That marked the most pitches he has thrown in a start since a 98-pitch start on April 11, 2023 against the Kansas City Royals.

Rangers reliever Robert Garcia earned the win after recording the final out of the sixth inning. After giving up a hit in the ninth, Luke Jackson earned his fifth save of the year.

Rays Pitching Notes

Rays right-hander Taj Bradley also earned a no-decision on Saturday. He tossed five innings, giving up four runs, all earned, on two hits. He walked four, struck out seven, and yielded two of the Rangers’ three long balls.

Montgomery, who allowed Langford’s blast, earned his first loss of the year.

Bochy’s Postgame Comments

After the game, Bochy held court with the media to discuss Langford’s home run. “It was huge,” Bochy said. “He had four very productive hits, and we mixed in some walks too, and you can’t forget those. It helped us set up some rallies, and (Kevin) Pillar had a great hit off the bench to get us going. He really ignited a spark for us.”