Wyatt Langford returned from the injured list and delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning as the Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-6 on Thursday night, overcoming a dramatic late comeback by Los Angeles.
Langford lined a run-scoring double off the left-field wall to bring home Alejandro Osuna, capping a game in which the Rangers squandered a five-run advantage before recovering in the final inning. The victory allowed Texas to bounce back one day after a lopsided loss to the Angels.
The Angels erased a 6-1 deficit with a five-run seventh inning, but they could not complete the comeback. Kirby Yates took the loss after allowing the decisive run in the ninth.
Langford Makes Immediate Impact
Langford returned to the lineup as the designated hitter after missing time with a left hamstring strain. Although he struck out in three of his first four at-bats, he came through when Texas needed him most.
Alejandro Osuna opened the bottom of the ninth with a single before pinch-hitter Nicky Lopez advanced him to second with a sacrifice bunt. Langford then drove a 1-1 fastball from Yates over the head of center fielder Jose Siri and off the left-field wall, allowing Osuna to score the winning run.
The hit capped a successful return for Langford, who was activated from the 10-day injured list as soon as he became eligible.
Texas reliever Cole Winn earned the victory after recording the final out in the top of the ninth. He replaced All-Star closer Jacob Latz, who worked 1 2/3 innings in his first appearance after a nine-day layoff.
With the potential go-ahead run standing on third base, Winn retired Jo Adell on a sharply hit line drive to center field to end the threat.
Rangers Build Early Cushion
Texas took control early against Angels starter Reid Detmers.
Brandon Nimmo started the scoring with a home run before Ezequiel Duran and Justin Foscue also connected during the first four innings. The three long balls helped the Rangers build a comfortable lead while Detmers struggled to keep the ball in the park.
The outing marked an unusual performance for the left-hander, who had not surrendered more than one home run in any of his first 18 starts this season.
Nathan Eovaldi also gave Texas exactly what it needed for most of the night.
The veteran right-hander struck out a season-high 10 batters and carried the Rangers into the seventh inning. He appeared on track for his 10th win before the Angels mounted their comeback after his departure.
Angels Rally in the Seventh
Los Angeles finally broke through after Eovaldi exited without recording an out in the seventh.
Denzer Guzman reached base on catcher’s interference before Logan O’Hoppe walked, and Wade Meckler delivered an RBI single to put the Angels on the board.
Nolan Schanuel followed with a two-run single, continuing an outstanding night at the plate. Jorge Soler then added another RBI single as the Angels kept the pressure on the Rangers’ bullpen.
Later in the inning, Adell came off the bench and tied the game with a pinch-hit RBI single, completing a five-run rally that erased Texas’s lead.
The comeback came one night after Adell hit two home runs in the Angels’ 13-1 win over the Rangers.
Schanuel finished with four hits to lead the Angels’ offense, while Soler and Meckler each contributed key run-scoring hits during the decisive inning.
Rangers Finish the Job
Despite watching their lead disappear, the Rangers regrouped quickly.
After holding the Angels scoreless in the top of the ninth, Texas generated one final scoring chance. Osuna’s leadoff single and Langford’s clutch extra-base hit ended the game and gave the Rangers an important division victory.
Yates, who previously served as the Rangers’ closer before joining the Angels, fell to 0-4 after allowing the winning run.
The victory also prevented Texas from suffering consecutive losses following Wednesday’s defeat and rewarded Eovaldi with a team win despite the no-decision.
Up Next
The Angels continue their road trip Friday night in Minnesota, where right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is expected to come off the injured list and start against the Twins.
The Rangers remain at home to open a series against Houston. Right-hander Cal Quantrill, who enters with a 3-1 record and a 3.35 ERA, is scheduled to take the mound.