García’s Ninth-Inning Home Run After Four Strikeouts Secures 6-5 Victory for Underperforming Rangers Over Twins

In a dramatic turn of events, Adolis García hit a home run at the start of the ninth inning, following four earlier strikeouts, thereby guiding the faltering Texas Rangers to a narrow 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins this past Sunday.

García’s impactful hit, his 34th home run of the season, was also his 100th RBI and traveled 430 feet, landing in the second deck of the left field.

The 30-year-old Cuban powerhouse momentarily lowered his gaze toward home plate, not needing to track the trajectory of the ball to know it had cleared the fence. Several seconds later, García initiated a leisurely trot to first base, pulling emphatically at his jersey as he acknowledged his teammates waiting in the dugout.

Mitch Garver, who was next in line to bat when García made his home run, had earlier provided the Rangers with a lead through his own home runs, contributing four hits and four RBIs in the game.

Despite repeatedly relinquishing their lead, the Rangers ultimately secured their fourth win in 16 games. This win brings them within one game of the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, a significant development considering the Rangers had led the division for 140 continuous days earlier in the season.

Royce Lewis of the Twins countered Garver’s performance, leveling the score twice: first with a three-run home run in the fifth inning after Garver’s own three-run home run in the first inning, and later with an RBI single in the eighth to tie the game at 5-5 following Garver’s leadoff home run in the seventh.

Rookie reliever Cody Bradford (3-1), who was the sixth pitcher deployed by Texas, concluded the ninth inning without conceding a run. García’s pivotal home run occurred on the fifth pitch delivered by Josh Winder (2-1).

Trainer’s Room Update

Twins: Center Fielder Michael A. Taylor has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. Willi Castro, a utility player, has been reinstated after an 18-game absence caused by a right oblique strain. Manager Rocco Baldelli anticipates Taylor will recover before the regular season concludes.

Rangers: Manager Bruce Bochy reported that Right-Handed Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, sidelined since July 27 with a right forearm strain, had a successful bullpen session on Sunday. No immediate details about his next steps were disclosed. Rookie Third Baseman Josh Jung participated in light infield practice before the game, despite having a splint on his fractured left thumb. Bochy is optimistic about Jung’s return within the next three weeks.

Coming Up Next

Twins: They will engage in a crucial three-game series against second-place Cleveland, starting Monday. Right-Handed Pitcher Pablo López (9-7, 3.72 ERA) is slated to oppose Right-Handed Pitcher Lucas Giolito, one of the three players claimed by the Guardians in a waiver-wire acquisition from the struggling Angels.

Rangers: The team faces a pivotal three-game series against the Houston Astros, another AL West playoff contender, beginning Monday. Left-Handed Pitcher Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.16) is scheduled to start the series opener.

Source: AP MLB

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