The Texas Rangers capitalized on a seven-run third inning and strong performances from Marcus Semien and Corey Seager to secure an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night at Angel Stadium, earning a split in the four-game series.
Patrick Corbin earned the win for Texas, improving to 6-7 on the season. The veteran left-hander pitched five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out six. It marked his second straight victory. Reliever Jacob Latz followed with 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out six. Dane Dunning pitched the ninth and gave up a solo homer.
The Rangers’ offense collected 13 hits and saw seven starters drive in at least one run. Semien went 4 for 5, scored twice, and added an RBI. Seager delivered a two-run single in the third inning and finished 2 for 3. Adolis García hit his 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the eighth inning off Angels reliever Carson Fulmer.
Texas began the scoring in the first inning with four consecutive singles from Seager, Semien, García, and Jonah Heim, building an early 2-0 lead. The offensive outburst in the third inning was highlighted by RBI singles from Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, an RBI double from Jake Burger, and a two-run single from Seager. By the time the third inning ended, Texas held a commanding 9-0 lead.
Los Angeles responded with a pair of runs in the fifth inning when Zach Neto doubled and scored on Taylor Ward’s 21st home run. Lamonte Wade Jr. added an RBI single in the sixth, and Neto homered again in the ninth off Dunning, his 14th of the year.
Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz (3-9) took the loss after surrendering eight runs over 2 2/3 innings. Fulmer pitched the remaining 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs, including García’s homer.
The Angels had an early opportunity to score in the first inning when they loaded the bases with singles, but Mike Trout grounded into a double play, and Ward was thrown out at home on Jo Adell’s single to right, ending the threat.
The Rangers entered the game with a team ERA of 3.30, which leads Major League Baseball. In contrast, the Angels’ pitching staff held a 4.59 ERA, ranking 24th out of 30 teams.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will travel to Houston to begin a weekend series with the Astros. Jack Leiter (4-6, 4.32 ERA) is expected to start for Texas, while Houston plans to send Lance McCullers Jr. (2-3, 5.82 ERA) to the mound.
The Angels are set to host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. As of Thursday night, neither team had announced a starting pitcher.
According to betting markets, the Rangers opened as -140 favorites for their upcoming game against Houston, while the Angels’ matchup against Arizona was listed as a pick’em, with both teams priced at -110 on the moneyline. The over/under for both contests is expected to be set around nine runs.