Rangers Secure Lead with Win Over Mets
The Texas Rangers defeated the New York Mets 3-1 on Thursday, with Josh Jung and Corey Seager hitting home runs and Kumar Rocker delivering a strong pitching performance.
The victory was important for Texas as the regular season approaches its final games. The Rangers improved to 79-80 and remained at least tied for first place in the American League West. They also ended a three-game losing streak.
Texas took control early in the game. Josh Jung hit a two-run home run against Mets rookie Zac Thornton in the first inning, giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead after New York had scored first.
The Mets opened the scoring when Francisco Lindor hit a double and later scored on a two-out single from Carson Benge. Benge’s hit also gave him his 160th hit of the season, setting a new Mets rookie record.
Jung continued to play a major role for Texas throughout the game. He finished with three hits and one walk. Since returning from a left calf injury on September 12, Jung has been batting .341, going 15-for-44 over 11 games.
Corey Seager added another home run in the sixth inning. His 19th homer of the season ended a personal 0-for-15 hitting slump and gave Texas some additional breathing room.
Rocker also played an important role in the victory. The Rangers pitcher worked five innings, struck out four batters and allowed only one run. He improved his record to 6-11.
Mets rookie Zac Thornton also had a solid outing despite taking the loss. He pitched five innings, struck out four and walked one. Jung’s first-inning home run was the only run Thornton allowed.
Texas completed the victory with a strong ninth inning from Jordan Montgomery. He retired all three batters he faced to record his second major-league save.
The Rangers improved to 79-80, while the Mets fell to 73-86. Houston entered the day at 78-80 and held the tiebreaker over Texas based on the teams’ head-to-head record.
The Mets will now travel to Washington to face the Nationals on Friday. The Rangers will prepare to play the Minnesota Twins, who previously swept a three-game series in Texas earlier this season.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, every game remains important for Texas as it continues its fight for the AL West.