Athletics 2, Rangers 1
Strong pitching from Athletics starter JP Sears and outstanding relief work from Mitch Spence, Tyler Ferguson, and Mason Miller led the Athletics to a 2–1 victory over the host Texas Rangers Monday night in Arlington, Texas. A two-run fifth-inning double from Tyler Soderstrom plated the two Athletics runs. For the Rangers, sixth-inning doubles from Kyle Higashioka and Jonah Heim brought in their run.
Athletics – Rangers Game Summary
Our Rangers correspondent, Nate Miller, was on site. For the summary, see his coverage.
What Went Right for the Athletics
Clutch Pitching
JP Sears allowed one run on five hits, walking none and striking out seven. Between the second and fifth innings, he retired ten consecutive Rangers. Additionally, of the five Rangers to reach scoring position against Sears, Spence, Ferguson, and Miller, only one scored.
Lights-out Relief Work
Spence, Ferguson, and Miller combined to pitch the final 10 outs. As a unit, they only allowed three baserunners — two on walks and one on a single.
Stellar Defense
Max Schuemann, on a dead run from center field, made an impressive sliding catch in shallow center for the second out of the bottom of the second. He robbed Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia of a hit. (Note: Garcia later returned the favor with a sliding catch near the right-field wall in foul ground, robbing Schuemann of an RBI hit in the top of the ninth.)
In the ninth, Schuemann made another highlight-reel play, this time playing third base. With Marcus Semien on first and nobody out, Josh Jung ripped a grounder to the hole on the left side. Schuemann dove to his left, fielded the baseball at full extension, and fired to first in time to nab Jung on a close play.
What Went Wrong for the Athletics
Runners Left in Scoring Position
The Athletics stranded eight runners on base. Six were in scoring position. Their leadoff hitter notched a hit and reached scoring position in each of the first five innings. The only one where they scored was the fifth.
Quick Hits
This is the first time the Athletics are over .500 as late as April 28 since 2021, when they finished 86–76. … Miller and Ferguson finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in Sport Relay’s most recent reliever power rankings. More specifically, Miller was the #4 AL Closer, and Ferguson was the #5 AL setup man. … With his single to lead off the game, Jacob Wilson has now hit safely in 23 of the 27 games in which he has played. … The Athletics have won five of their last six games and ten of their last fifteen.
Looking Ahead
Sears (4–2, 2.94 ERA) earned the win for the Athletics as Rangers left-hander Patrick Corbin (2–1, 3.79 ERA) took the loss. Miller, with his scoreless ninth, earned his ninth save in as many chances.
The Athletics (15–14) and Rangers (15–14), now tied for third in the AL West, will play the second game of their four-game set Tuesday evening. Athletics left-hander Jacob Lopez will take the mound in a spot start, facing veteran Rangers righty Jacob deGrom (0–1, 3.33 ERA). First pitch will be at 5:05 Pacific.
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