Rangers Rally with Late Homers to Edge Red Sox 3-2
In a nail-biting finish, Wyatt Langford and Adolis García launched solo home runs in the sixth inning, leading the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
The excitement unfolded after the Red Sox managed to score twice in the top of the sixth, taking advantage of Texas' bullpen and momentarily spoiling Jacob deGrom's first start of the season. DeGrom showcased his skills, allowing just two hits over five shutout innings before being lifted after reaching a pitch count of 73.
Langford's homer, which barely cleared the right-field wall, came off rookie pitcher Richard Fitts (0-1). Just two batters later, García sent an 0-2 sweeper soaring into the second deck in left field, igniting the crowd.
Earlier in the inning, the Red Sox had taken the lead with two runs off Shawn Armstrong (1-0), one of which was unearned. Wilyer Abreu delivered a clutch two-out, 0-2 opposite-field double that scored Kristian Campbell, and he later crossed home plate due to a low throw from Rangers third baseman Ezequiel Durán.
The Rangers initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, loading the bases with four consecutive singles. Durán then hit a sacrifice fly, which was impressively caught by Jarren Duran, allowing Jake Burger to score.
Fitts ended the game with three runs allowed on six hits, without issuing any walks over six innings of work.
In the ninth inning, Luke Jackson secured his second save in as many opportunities, pitching a scoreless frame. He left runners stranded at first and second, striking out Alex Bregman on a check swing to seal the game.
Despite the loss, Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers struggled, going 0-4 with two strikeouts and a walk, finishing the series with an unfortunate 0 for 16 and 12 strikeouts.
Both teams are set to hit the road on Monday, with the Red Sox's left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb facing off against Baltimore's lefty Cade Povich, while Rangers rookie right-hander Kumar Rocker will take on Cincinnati's right-hander Brady Singer.
