The Texas Rangers capitalized on a massive, five-run eighth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Angels by a score of 8-3 on Tuesday, but what happened in the seventh inning was arguably just as crucial.

After the Rangers allowed Wade Meckler to drive in a run for the Angels in the top of the seventh, they found themselves down 3-2 heading into the bottom frame after tying the game up earlier in the evening. With available outs dwindling, Texas needed an answer.

That is where Justin Foscue came in.

Foscue was selected to pinch-hit for Evan Carter, and the decision paid off for manager Skip Schumaker. With a full count, Foscue launched a 93-mph four-seam fastball over the left field wall for a solo home run that evened the game up once again for the Rangers. 

After the game, Foscue reacted to his critical contribution with Rangers Sports Network.

“It feels great,” Foscue said. “I'm just trying to do my part. I'm happy I'm having success up here this year and contributing to this team. Yeah, it feels really good.”

Foscue, 27, is in his third MLB season, and Tuesday’s solo shot marked the first pinch-hit home run of his career. For him, the ability to figure out the role and deliver in it boils down to his preparation.

“Yeah, I said it, I said it with you before, but process oriented, trusting my, you know, trusting my work in the cage,” Foscue said. “The coaches helped me out with my approach a lot. So I'm just trying to come in there and honestly, just trying to get on base right there and put a good at bat together. 

“And the longer the at bat went, the more comfortable I was,” he added. “And luckily, that went over the fence.”

The Rangers were beginning to find their stride when a six-game winning streak at the end of June put them above .500 for the first time since April 25. But after losing three of their next four games, they needed a spark, and Tuesday’s win provided it.

“Yeah, it's just about coming into the park every single day, trying to improve,” Foscue said. “For us hitters, it's having quality at-bats each game and the process, it'll take care of itself. Baseball is a very hard game and, you know, it's a team sport. So, the pitchers got to do their thing, and the hitters got to do their thing. 

“And then if we focus on the little things, the season, you know, the games and wins will take care of themselves,” he added. “But like I said, it's a very hard game to come every single day, and we're going to have ups and downs. But, you know, we just got to stick to it. Stick to the process.”

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