Rangers 15, Athletics 2
ARLINGTON, Texas (Apr 29) — The Texas Rangers emerged victorious in convincing fashion Tuesday night, trouncing the Athletics, 15–2. It was a team effort, as everyone in the Rangers’ starting lineup had at least one hit. They’ll go for at least a series split Wednesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm Central at Globe Life Field. It will be a matchup of righties as Luis Severino (1–3, 3.49 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Athletics, while Nathan Eovaldi (2–2, 2.21 ERA) will get the ball for the Rangers.
Rangers Pour it On
The Rangers scored early in the bottom of the second off A’s lefty Jacob Lopez. Adolis Garcia led off with a walk. On deck was Jake Burger, who was hit by a pitch. Up next was Leody Taveras. He reached with a soft bunt single that eluded Gio Urshela at third. Two batters later, Burger scored on a single to right by Josh Smith.
The Rangers plated another run one inning later. Jonah Heim set the table with a single to center, and Marcus Semien moved him to second with a sharp single to left. After Garcia and Josh Jung both struck out swinging, Heim crossed the plate on a single to right by Burger.
Semien scored moments later thanks to a single up the middle by Taveras.
Eight-Run Inning for Rangers
They scored again in the bottom of the fourth off Athletics reliever Hogan Harris. Heim reached on a free pass by Hogan, and Semien followed with a single to left. Jung drove in Heim with a single to left.
The Rangers’ big inning came in the bottom of the sixth. Smith led off with a single to center. After Kyle Higashioka filed to center, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay brought in reliever Noah Murdock.
Smith advanced to third on a single to right by Heim, and a passed ball moved him to second. Semien plated Smith with a single to left. On deck was Jung, who drew a walk. Garcia drove in all three runners with a double to center, making it 8–0 Rangers.
They weren’t finished, however, as Murdock walked Burger and Taveras. Wyatt Langford brought all three home with a double to left.
It was at this point that Kotsay brought in T.J. McFarland from the bullpen. Up next was Smith, who scored Langford with a single to left.
Athletics Break Through
The Athletics broke up the shutout in the top of the seventh off Rangers reliever Dane Dunning. He issued a walk to Seth Brown, bringing up Ranger connoisseur Shea Langeliers. He stepped in and launched a two-run shot over the wall in left.
The Rangers added three more in the bottom of the seventh. Up first was Garcia, whose single to center set the tone for the inning. Burger nudged him over to third with a double to left. Two batters later, Nick Ahmed drew a walk to load the bases.
Up next was Higashioka, who proceeded to plate all three runners with a double to right.
What Went Right for the Rangers
In what seemed to be an unending offensive slump, the Rangers pulled off a miracle, scoring early and often on Tuesday. Fighting the temptation to commit the cardinal sin of cheering in the press box, this reporter was surely colored impressed. The Rangers needed the runs as well as the win.
What Went Wrong for the Rangers
The Rangers fell short of turning in their fifth shutout of the season on Tuesday. Langeliers took it upon himself to make sure that didn’t happen with his two-run blast in the seventh.
deGrom Goes Six
Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom earned his first win of 2025 and first since April 23, 2023 (also against the Athletics), cruising through six scoreless innings with a season-high seven strikeouts. He now owns a record of 1–1 with an ERA of 2.73. His line on the evening was 4 H, 0 BB, 65 pitches/47 strikes. deGrom matched his seven-strikeout performance on April 18 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He faced two batters over the minimum, benefitting from a 6-3 double play in the first and an outfield assist by Taveras on Max Schuemann’s single in the sixth. He averaged 97.4 mph on his 34 four-seam fastball offerings Tuesday, his highest single-game average on the pitch in his six starts this year. deGrom has pitched 1,400 innings in his career, becoming the 23rd active pitcher to reach the milestone.
In his first major-league appearance this year, Dunning earned a three-inning save after he took over for deGrom in the seventh. He surrendered both of the Athletics’ earned runs on four hits. He also walked two and struck out three.
Short Night for Lopez
Athletics starter Jacob Lopez made his fourth appearance and first start of the season in Tuesday’s game. He was dealt his first loss of the campaign, departing after 2 2/3 with the Athletics down, 3-0. His final line was 2 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 R-ER, 4 BB, 4 SOK84 pitches/49 strikes. Lopez achieved season highs in innings and pitches, as his 84 pitches were the second most in a single game in his major league career.
Bochy’s Postgame Comments
After the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy emphasized that so much of this season will be about keeping deGrom healthy. If they have the opportunity to get him a break here or there — like they did Tuesday — they’ll take it, no doubt.
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“He did very well tonight,” Bochy said. “We all liked what we saw, but you still have to be cautious. We want him for a season, not just a couple of months.”
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