Josh Jung Shines in MLB Return as Rangers Defeat Athletics 7-2
Josh Jung made an impressive return to Major League Baseball, homering and scoring three times as the Texas Rangers triumphed over the Oakland Athletics 7-2 on Monday night. The game showcased not only Jung's talent but also marked significant milestones for teammates Cody Freeman and Michael Helman, who achieved their first major league hits on consecutive pitches.
The pivotal moment came during a four-run fifth inning that shifted the momentum in favor of the Rangers. Freeman broke the tie with a double, earning his first hit and RBI in the majors. Just moments later, Helman launched a three-run homer off rookie left-hander Jacob Lopez (3-6), marking his inaugural home run and RBIs. He later contributed another run with a sacrifice bunt.
Jung, an All-Star in 2023, was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock earlier that day after a stint in the minors due to a slump. He wasted no time making an impact, hitting his ninth home run of the season to lead off the third inning. Following a walk, he scored on Helman's homer and later added another run in the seventh after singling.
On the mound, Rangers rookie Jack Leiter (6-6) delivered a strong performance, striking out seven batters over six innings. Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz provided a highlight for the A's with his rookie-best 19th home run in the sixth inning.
Defensive plays also shone through the night; Lawrence Butler, starting in center field for Oakland, made a spectacular leaping catch to rob Kyle Higashioka of a home run in the second inning. On the other side, Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford executed a sliding catch on Luis Urias' sinking liner and followed it up with a running grab to deny Butler a hit in the third.
Freeman and Helman's achievements broke a 1-1 tie, while Corey Seager extended his on-base streak to 22 games with an RBI single in the seventh inning. Looking ahead, Jacob deGrom (9-2, 2.32 ERA) is set to make his first start for Texas since July 12, having been the sole All-Star representative for the Rangers but missing last week's game.
