Brandon Nimmo delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning as the Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Monday night, ending a five-game road losing streak.
The Rangers improved their recent form with a fifth win in six games and moved to within a half-game of the first-place Houston Astros in the American League West. Texas broke a 1-1 tie in extra innings before adding two insurance runs to secure the victory.
The Angels received another strong start from Reid Detmers and an early home run from Mike Trout, but they could not generate enough offense after the opening inning and fell short in the series opener.
Trout Gives Angels an Early Lead
Los Angeles struck first in the opening inning when Trout continued his productive season.
The veteran outfielder launched a 418-foot solo home run for his 20th of the year, giving the Angels a 1-0 lead. Trout reached base four times, finishing 1-for-2 while drawing three walks, including one intentional pass.
The early homer was one of the few offensive highlights for Los Angeles as the Rangers’ pitching staff settled in and kept the Angels off the scoreboard the rest of the way.
Rangers Answer in the Fourth
Texas tied the game in the fourth inning with a timely hit from Elias Díaz.
After Ezequiel Duran reached scoring position, Díaz lined a single that brought him home and evened the score at 1-1.
The Rangers continued to threaten throughout the game but were repeatedly turned away by Detmers and the Angels’ defense.
One of the night’s best defensive plays came in the seventh inning when Angels right fielder Wade Meckler leaped at the wall to rob Corey Seager of a home run, preserving the tie.
Strong Starts on Both Sides
Both starting pitchers turned in quality performances.
Detmers pitched six innings for Los Angeles, allowing one run on three hits while striking out six and walking four. He consistently escaped trouble and kept the Rangers from building on their fourth-inning run.
Texas left-hander MacKenzie Gore matched him with an impressive outing. Returning after being reinstated from paternity leave following the birth of his first child, Gore struck out nine batters over 5 1/3 innings. He surrendered one run on four hits and walked two.
Neither starter factored into the decision after the game remained tied into the late innings.
Rangers Break Through in Extras
Texas finally gained the upper hand in the 10th inning.
Luke Murphy opened the inning for the Angels and immediately ran into trouble. Wyatt Langford drew a leadoff walk before Corey Seager singled to load the bases with no outs.
After Ezequiel Duran popped out, Blake Weiman entered from the bullpen to face Nimmo.
Nimmo responded by lining a single into right field, bringing home automatic runner Nicky Lopez with the go-ahead run.
Jake Burger followed with a two-run single, extending the Rangers’ lead to 4-1 and providing valuable insurance.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Texas received another strong effort from its bullpen.
Peyton Gray retired the Angels in order during the ninth inning to improve to 6-0 on the season.
Closer Jacob Latz handled the 10th inning, throwing a scoreless frame to record his 23rd save and finish off the victory.
The Rangers’ relievers combined to shut down the Angels after Trout’s first-inning homer, allowing the offense time to complete the comeback.
Rangers Continue Strong Stretch
The victory continued Texas’ recent surge, strengthening its position in the American League West race.
Nimmo and Díaz each collected two hits and drove in a run, while Burger’s late two-run single helped put the game away.
For the Angels, Trout supplied the lone run, and Meckler contributed one of the game’s standout defensive plays, but the offense managed only four hits and could not capitalize on several opportunities despite Trout reaching base four times.
Up Next
The series continues Tuesday night with the Angels scheduled to start right-hander Ryan Johnson, who enters with a 2-6 record and a 7.11 ERA. The Rangers are expected to counter with left-hander Cody Bradford, who will make his season debut.
