In a thrilling Sunday night showdown in Phoenix, the Texas Rangers finally broke an eight‑game road‑series skid with a 7‑6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The win marked the Rangers’ first road series triumph in two months and kept them alive in the hunt for the American League wild‑card, now just two games behind Cleveland.
Seager’s power and early lead
Corey Seager delivered the game‑changing blow in the first inning, launching his 18th career home run – a two‑run shot off Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez (15‑6) – over the pool deck in right‑center. Seager finished the night with three RBIs, his fourth homer in seven games, underscoring his hot streak as the Rangers look to solidify a playoff push.
Rangers capitalize on Arizona errors
The Rangers seized momentum in the fifth inning, exploiting two defensive miscues by Arizona to add three runs. A misplayed ball by left fielder Lars Nootbaar and a fielding error by third‑base defender Justin Foscue set the stage for a run‑scoring single by Josh Jung and a bloop RBI single from Brandon Nimmo that pushed the lead to 5‑1.
Diamondbacks fight back
Arizona answered with a three‑run homer from Nolan Arenado and a solo shot by Gabriel Moreno, narrowing the gap. Rodriguez, who escaped a bases‑loaded jam in the fourth, ultimately allowed six runs (three earned) and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven.
Late drama and a clutch save
Entering the ninth with a 7‑4 advantage, Texas reliever Jacob Latz faced a potential rally. He gave up doubles to Arenado and Tim Tawa, then an RBI double to Jordan Lawler that cut the lead to one run. Latz steadied the ship, retiring James McCann on a groundout, striking out Tommy Troy, and inducing a pop‑out to Seager at shortstop to seal the win. The veteran closer has now converted 29 of 32 save opportunities, including 24 of his last 25.
Implications for the wild‑card race
The victory keeps the Rangers within striking distance of the AL wild‑card, trailing Cleveland by just two games. With a series against the Boston Red Sox looming, the Rangers will look to build on this momentum. Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (9‑5) earned the win, allowing two runs and four hits over six-plus innings.
Looking ahead
Texas opens its next series on Tuesday in Boston, with left‑hander Patrick Sandoval (1‑5, 4.58 ERA) slated to take the mound. The Diamondbacks will counter with Corbin Burnes, returning from elbow surgery, after a scoreless outing in Kansas City.
For Rangers fans across Texas, Seager’s clutch power and the bullpen’s resilience provide a hopeful sign as the team battles for a postseason berth.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
