ARLINGTON - In a commanding display, Josh Smith not only homered but also scored all three runs for the Texas Rangers, securing a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
Smith, who opened the game as the Rangers' leadoff hitter, showcased his prowess at the plate, finishing 2 for 3 with a walk. This performance marked his fifth consecutive game with multiple hits, raising his batting average to an impressive .435 during this stretch, with 10 hits in 23 at-bats.
The action began in the first inning when Smith singled and later crossed home plate on Corey Seager's sacrifice fly. He then launched a powerful 396-foot home run to right-center in the third inning, marking his seventh of the season. In the fifth, after drawing a walk, he scored again on Marcus Semien's double.
Jacob Webb, the second of seven pitchers utilized in Texas's bullpen strategy, earned the win after delivering two scoreless innings. Robert Garcia faced a tense moment in the ninth with a bases-loaded situation but managed to secure his fifth save of the season.
Shawn Armstrong took the mound for the Rangers initially, striking out five batters over three flawless innings. This outing was particularly notable as it surpassed his previous season highs of three strikeouts and seven batters faced.
On the opposing side, White Sox starter Adrian Houser struggled, allowing three runs on six hits across five innings while striking out two and issuing four walks.
Luis Robert Jr. interrupted the Rangers' bid for a perfect game with an infield single in the fifth, a call confirmed by replay. He later contributed Chicago's only run with an RBI double in the seventh inning.
Texas reliever Chris Martin entered a challenging situation in the seventh with two runners on base and one out but successfully retired both batters he faced, maintaining the Rangers' lead.
Corey Seager, despite struggling since returning from injury with a .089 average over 45 at-bats and 15 strikeouts in 13 games, managed to draw two walks. This achievement extended his streak to eight consecutive games with a walk, a personal best.
Looking ahead, Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (6-2, 2.12 ERA) is set to take the mound on Saturday. The White Sox have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the matchup.
