Langford Powers Rangers Past Athletics
The Texas Rangers defeated the Athletics 5-3 on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, to snap a four-game losing streak. The victory improved the Rangers' record to 61-63, while the Athletics fell to 48-75. Attendance for the game was 10,070.
Early Lead and Key Reversal
The home team struck first in the second inning. Austin Bolte hit a three-run home run to left field, driving in Serven and Williams to give the Athletics a 3-0 lead. An umpire review overturned the initial call on the field, but the runs stood.
The Rangers began their comeback in the fifth inning when Lopez singled to center field, allowing Burger to score and cut the deficit to 1-3.
The decisive shift occurred in the sixth inning. First, Seager singled to center to score Nimmo, making it 2-3. Later in the same frame, Langford hit a two-run home run to left center, driving in Seager to put the Rangers ahead 4-3. This homer was one of exactly two in the game.
Pitching Performance
MacKenzie Gore earned the win for the Rangers. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 5 batters and walking 2. He finished with a record of 7-9.
Chase Silseth pitched 0.1 hitless, scoreless innings to earn a hold, improving his save/hold tally to 11. Jakob Junis also pitched 1.0 hitless, scoreless innings for a hold, bringing his total to 15. Jacob Latz secured the save with 2.0 hitless, scoreless innings, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts, improving his save record to 24.
For the Athletics, J.T. Ginn took the loss. He pitched 6.0 innings, allowing 8 hits and 4 earned runs while striking out 7.
He did not allow a walk and his record fell to 8-7. Brady Basso pitched 1.2 innings, allowing 1 hit and no earned runs with 2 strikeouts. Scott Blewett finished the game with 1.1 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run with 1 walk and 1 strikeout.
The Rangers closed the game with a 9th-inning run. Kelenic singled to center field, scoring Carter and advancing Burger to second, sealing the 5-3 victory.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816546
