Corey Seager hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and the Texas Rangers rallied past the Oakland Athletics 4-2
Corey Seager’s three-run homer in the eighth inning propelled the Texas Rangers to a 4-2 comeback victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.
Trailing 2-0, the defending World Series champions found themselves in a tough spot until Seager connected on a full-count pitch from Lucas Erceg (1-2), sending the ball soaring over the right-center wall with two outs. Texas secured an insurance run in the ninth inning following an error by first baseman Tyler Nevin.
Erceg delivered six consecutive changeups to Seager, but the last one drifted over the plate, allowing Seager to capitalize. Reflecting on his game-changing hit, Seager credited his teammates Josh Smith and Leody Taveras for their efforts, acknowledging that he benefited from facing the worn-down version of Erceg.
Kirby Yates closed out the game, earning his sixth save of the season.
The A’s, set to relocate to Sacramento after the season while awaiting a new stadium in Las Vegas, saw a season-low attendance of 2,895 fans at the Coliseum.
Texas extended its winning streak to three games, tying a season high, with four wins in the last five outings. Meanwhile, the A’s suffered their second consecutive defeat after a six-game winning streak.
Darell Hernaiz and Esteury Ruiz each contributed with a sacrifice fly for Oakland.
Rangers starter Andrew Heaney delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs in six-plus innings, while counterpart Alex Wood pitched six scoreless innings for the A’s. Heaney, who had previously gone winless in six games started by the Rangers, expressed satisfaction in keeping the game close and giving his team a chance to win.
José Leclerc (3-2) earned the win with a hitless inning, striking out two batters.
A’s manager Mark Kotsay praised Wood for executing a well-planned game, delivering six innings with just two hits allowed.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, reminiscing about his time managing the San Francisco Giants, expressed sadness over the A’s impending departure from Oakland. Bochy, who enjoyed fierce battles with the A’s during the Bay Bridge rivalry series, emphasized the significance of the matchups between the two Bay Area teams.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the A’s future in Oakland, Bochy remains hopeful for the continuation of the spirited rivalry between the two clubs.
Rangers: Rookie OF Wyatt Langford (hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list. … RHP Nathan Eovaldi (groin) does not have a sports hernia and isn’t expected to need a minor league rehab assignment before coming off the 15-day injured list.
Athletics: OF Esteury Ruiz was back in the lineup and playing through a sprained wrist sustained Saturday. He underwent an MRI. … RHP Joe Boyle (back) was placed on the 15-day injured list after being lifted from Sunday’s start. He will be held back from baseball activity for a while. … RHP Luis Medina (knee) and LHP Sean Newcomb (knee) will both face hitters in Arizona this week.