Late-inning insurance and a dominant bullpen display propelled the Texas Rangers to a gritty victory, fueled by Justin Foscue’s clutch hitting and Jacob Latz’s two-inning save over Cleveland Guardians.
A pair of runs in the ninth inning helped the Texas Rangers improve to 43-42 as they defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 6-3.
Fans around the world were able to see what the Rangers were all about as this game aired on ESPN.
Texas jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth, but the Guardians plated two in the fifth to take their first lead.
Ultimately, five of the Rangers six runs were scored in the final four innings. Texas got hot late, and they did everything in their power to preserve what has now become a five-game winning streak.
Ahlstrom Improves to 3-0, Latz Nets 17th Save
The Rangers opted to use Tyler Alexander as opener before bringing in Chris Paddack. Paddack, 30, went four innings but allowed a pair of runs and needed the Rangers to have his back in order to avoid taking the loss.
Thankfully, they did just that. Robby Ahlstrom came into the game after Paddack allowed seven hits and a pair of runs in four innings. It was a clean inning for Ahlstrom, and he's now a perfect 3-0 in his rookie season.
Things were getting a bit dicey for Jakob Junis, but he got the job done despite allowing a run for his second consecutive game.
Texas called upon Jacob Latz for a two-inning save, something he did quite easily. Latz struck out one, didn't allow a hit, and threw 12 strikes in 17 pitches.
Four Rangers Had Two Hits
Not one, not two, but four Rangers picked up a pair of hits in the series opener. Designated hitter Justin Foscue had two himself, including a pair of RBIs, matching Jake Burger's total on the night. Sadly for Burger, he only had one hit, but it was still a big one at that.
Elsewhere, Josh Jung, Nicky Lopez, and Evan Carter all had two hits each. The Rangers not only got production out of the top of the order, but Lopez delivered in the eighth spot, as did Carter in the ninth.
In total, the Rangers were a tremendous 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Latz did the trick so it's not like they needed to plate the two runs they did in the ninth, but it was sure nice to have that extra insurance as they pushed the Guardians down to 44-41 on the year.
Now, the Rangers are a perfect .500 on the road, 24-24, with just two more games away from home prior to the All-Star break.
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