The Texas Rangers were able to get the better of the back-to-back champs as they took down the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6.
Even during Spring Training, it’s always exciting to see the defending champions come into town.
On Saturday afternoon, that was the case for the Texas Rangers as the Los Angeles Dodgers made a trip to Surprise Staduim.
The Rangers were able to get the better of the back-to-back champs as they took down the Dodgers 7-6.
With the win, the Rangers' Cactus League record evened out to .500 at 5-5. The win snaps a three-game losing streak.
Jack Leiter took the mound for Texas, making his second start of the spring and it wasn’t quite what he would have liked.
Leiter went 1 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two runs while walking two and striking out one Dodger.
The first inning got off to a good start for Leiter as he got Alex Call to fly out to left field and got superstar Kyle Tucker to ground out back to him.
However, Leiter could not complete the 1-2-3 inning as Santiago Espinal doubled down the right-field line, and then catcher Dalton Rushing ripped a home run to center field.
Leiter then struck out the next batter, Andy Pages, to get out of the inning. In the second inning, Alex Freeland hit a double, and then Nick Senzel drew a walk. Leiter got Ryan Ward to fly out and then was pulled from the game.
Also pitching today, Carter Baumler, who is trying to make a spot in the bullpen, and he continued his strong spring, pitching 1 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and zero runs.
Luis Curvelo also pitched, earning the win after throwing a scoreless inning, striking out the side.
Several regulars started for Texas, including Evan Carter, who once again led off and played center field. Carter recorded a walk.
Alejandro Osuna checked into the game for Carter and had a hit and an RBI. He will soon depart Texas camp to join Team Mexico for the World Baseball Classic.
Wyatt Langford also played and had an RBI. Joc Pederson got another start at first base, and Danny Jansen was behind the plate.
Sam Haggerty got the start at DH and hit a home run, continuing his hot start to Spring Training and his bid to become the Rangers' main utility player.
Ezequiel Duran got the start at second base and struck out twice in three at-bats.
The Rangers will be back in action tomorrow, taking on the Seattle Mariners.
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