ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — In a commanding display of pitching, Tyler Mahle struck out nine batters over six dominant innings, leading the Texas Rangers to a 4-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. This win not only snapped a three-game losing streak for the Rangers but also marked the first time this season the Angels were held scoreless.
Mahle, who improved to 3-0 on the season, showcased his prowess on the mound, limiting the Angels to just three singles while walking two batters. His impressive performance brought his ERA down to a remarkable 0.92 over his four starts, a significant turnaround after missing most of the previous two seasons due to Tommy John surgery in May 2023.
On the other side, Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi, despite suffering the loss and falling to 0-3, put forth a commendable effort. He struck out six batters and allowed only three hits over his six innings of work, showcasing resilience even in defeat.
The game took a decisive turn in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Mahle had thrown his last pitch, the Rangers began to manufacture their first run. Leody Taveras, batting ninth, led off with a perfectly placed bunt single, stole second base, and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Taveras then crossed the plate when Marcus Semien’s sacrifice fly was caught by Taylor Ward against the wall in left field, marking the pivotal moment in the game.
Following this breakthrough, the Rangers added to their lead in the seventh inning. Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka executed back-to-back doubles, further solidifying Texas's offensive momentum. In the eighth inning, Josh Jung contributed an RBI single, pushing the score to 4-0.
Reflecting on his performance, Mahle expressed satisfaction with his outing, stating, “I felt strong out there. The defense played great behind me, and we executed our game plan perfectly.” His ability to escape a crucial jam in the fourth inning, where the Angels had runners on the corners with one out, was particularly noteworthy. Mahle struck out both d'Arnaud and Nolan Schanuel to end the threat and keep the Angels off the scoreboard.
The Angels, who managed only five hits throughout the game, were frustrated by the Rangers' pitching and defense. This loss marked a significant setback, as they had been looking to build momentum after a strong start to the season. “We just couldn’t find a way to get the big hit when it mattered,” Kikuchi lamented post-game.
With this win, the Rangers improved their home record to 7-1, a stark contrast to their recent 1-5 road trip. The victory not only boosts their morale but also places them back at the top of the AL West standings.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will face the Angels again on Wednesday night in the second game of the series. Right-hander José Soriano, boasting a 2-1 record and a 2.70 ERA, is set to take the mound for the Angels. Meanwhile, left-hander Patrick Corbin, who recently signed with Texas, will be making his home debut for the Rangers. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM CT, and fans can catch the action on the Rangers Sports Network.
As the season unfolds, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their respective strategies. The Rangers, buoyed by Mahle’s stellar performance, will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while the Angels will seek to bounce back and find their offensive rhythm as they continue their campaign.
