On Wednesday night, Corey Seager delivered three hits and drove in a pair of runs, helping the Texas Rangers to a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The victory marked the Rangers’ seventh consecutive win at home and secured at least a series victory over their division rivals.
Seager’s performance at the plate was instrumental in Texas’s three-run second inning. After Dustin Harris led off the frame with a double and Jake Burger followed with a run-scoring single, Seager capped the rally with a two-run single with the bases loaded. It was Seager’s second consecutive multi-hit game and a continuation of a productive stretch in April. After joining the Rangers, Burger also contributed three hits in his first multihit game.
Patrick Corbin (1-0) made his debut start for Texas and was credited with the win. The veteran left-hander allowed one run on five hits over five and one-third innings. He struck out six and issued just one walk in the outing, holding the Angels scoreless through the first five frames. Corbin was supported by a bullpen that turned in a strong collective effort. Shawn Armstrong pitched out of a jam in the sixth inning, and Luke Jackson retired the side in the ninth on just six pitches to earn his sixth save of the season.
The Angels’ lone run came in the sixth inning when Luis Rengifo reached base on an infield single that drove in Logan O’Hoppe. However, the rally was halted when Armstrong struck out Jorge Soler to preserve the 3-1 lead.
Angels starter José Soriano (2-2) was charged with the loss after allowing 10 hits and three earned runs over five and two-thirds innings. Despite the high hit total, Soriano limited the damage by stranding multiple runners and keeping the game within reach.
The game featured a celebratory pregame moment as Rangers manager Bruce Bochy’s grandson, Braxton Bochy, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to honor the elder Bochy’s 70th birthday. Bruce Bochy, a former catcher, caught the pitch himself. The only current Major League manager older than Bochy is Angels skipper Ron Washington, who turns 73 on April 29.
With the victory, Texas improved its position in the American League West standings, while the Angels struggled in road contests. Rangers pitchers combined for six perfect innings in which they retired the Angels in order, further emphasizing the team’s strong recent form at Globe Life Field.
The series concludes Thursday afternoon with right-hander Kumar Rocker (0-2, 7.94 ERA) taking the mound for Texas. He will be opposed by Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (1-1, 5.74 ERA). Oddsmakers have listed the Rangers as slight favorites for the finale, with moneyline odds around -120 for Texas and +105 for Los Angeles. The over/under for total runs is set at 9.
