Rangers Cruise to Win Over Guardians

Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images

August 23, 2025

Rangers 10, Guardians 0

ARLINGTON, Texas (Aug 23) — The Texas Rangers treated the Cleveland Guardians to a blowout, beating them, 10–0, Saturday night. Rookie second baseman Cody Freeman and Adolis Garcia both chipped in with one home run apiece en route to the rout of the visiting nine. With a quick turnaround, the Rangers will go for the three-game sweep Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 pm Central. Right-hander Gavin Williams (8–4, 3.24 ERA) will take the hill for the Guardians, while righty Merrill Kelly (9–7, 3.35 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Rangers.

Career First for Freeman

The Rangers got on the board in the bottom of the second against Guardians starter Logan Allen. Josh Jung opened the frame by drawing a walk. Garcia, fresh off the 10-day IL with a left ankle sprain, flied to right to bring up Freeman. On a 1–0 pitch, Freeman connected and sent one over the wall in left for the first homer of his young major league career.

They scored three more in the bottom of the third. Wyatt Langford hit a leadoff double, and Corey Seager drew a walk two batters later.

That brought up Kyle Higashioka, who grounded into a 6–4 force play scoring Langford in the process.

On deck was Jung, who blasted a two-run home run to left-center, his 12th of the year.

The Rangers extended their lead to 7–0 in the bottom of the fourth.

Back-to-back singles by Freeman and Jonah Heim set the table. Later in the inning, both runners scored thanks to a double to left by Ezequiel Duran, his 10th of the season.

They stretched it to 9–0 an inning later. Jung lined a one-out single to left, and Garcia followed with a long ball to left, his 17th of the campaign.

The Rangers scored one more in the bottom of the sixth off reliever, and former Ranger, Kolby Allard. A leadoff single to left by Michael Helman got things started. Up next was Langford, who advanced Helman to third with a double to left. Moments later, Duran plated Helman with a groundout to third, making it 10–0, Rangers.

What Went Right for the Rangers

It may be cliché in a win like this, but the Rangers never took their foot off the gas. The two big hits were the homers by Freeman and Garcia. Once they scored their first handful of runs, they couldn’t stop.

From a defensive point of view, their pitching staff was great as well. Not only did they not allow any runs, but they didn’t walk anyone either.

What Went Wrong for the Rangers

The only thing that went awry for the Rangers was the three hits they gave up as a staff. Leiter surrendered two, and reliever Jacob Webb allowed one in the ninth.

Leiter Up

Rangers starter Jack Leiter established a new single-game career high with 10 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings, the longest scoreless outing of his major league career. His line was 2 H, 0 BB, 93 pitches/65 strikes.

He allowed two baserunners – a third-inning single by Gabriel Arias and a fourth-inning single by Kyle Manzardo. Leiter retired the final 10 batters he faced. In his last 10 starts since June 29, Leiter is 4–2 with a 2.86 ERA to lower his season ERA from 4.55 to 3.81. He also has 60 strikeouts. His overall record is now 8–7 with an ERA of 3.81.

Tough Loss for Allen

Guardians starter Logan Allen made his first career start against the Rangers on Saturday and suffered his team-leading 10th loss of the season. He allowed a career-high nine runs, all earned, over five frames. Following a scoreless opening frame, Allen allowed runs in each of his next 4 innings.

Six of his nine runs allowed Saturday came on the trio of two-run home runs by Freeman, Jung, and García. His three blasts allowed tied a career high. Allen had not allowed a dinger over his previous three starts and entered play with five home runs allowed on the road all season. With the loss, he now owns a record of 7–10 with an ERA of 4.35.

Bochy’s Postgame Comments

After the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy reflected on Leiter’s start. “He was really good,” Bochy said. “ What an outstanding job. He pounded the strike zone, had command of all four of his pitches, and had a great rhythm going. We were all so happy for him. It’s not easy to get 10 Ks. It doesn’t matter who you are. Just the fact that he got to that number is flat out impressive.”