The Texas Rangers earned a 7-6 victory over the Athletics at Surprise Stadium on Thursday in spring training action. Wyatt Langford paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Jack Leiter turned in a solid outing, working 5.0 innings of 2-run ball with six strikeouts. The Athletics out-hit the Rangers 12-7 on the day. It was an encouraging performance for the Rangers as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Wyatt Langford was the standout at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Rangers offense.
Willie MacIver added to the attack, going 1-for-2 with a double and three RBI, Trevor Hauver provided support, going 1-for-1 with a double, and Jake Burger also contributed, going 1-for-3. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Max Muncy led the Athletics offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI day. Henry Bolte also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI. Leo De Vries added a 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Rangers pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Jack Leiter earned the win after pitching effectively, working 5.0 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits with six strikeouts. He threw 57 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 3.3 innings of work, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out four. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Luis Curvelo recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Luis Curvelo stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
Athletics got on the board first with a run in the first inning. The Rangers responded with six runs in the second. Athletics countered with a run in the third. Athletics plated two runs in the sixth. Athletics added a run in the seventh. The Rangers responded with a run in the seventh. Athletics countered with a run in the eighth. Athletics out-hit the Rangers 12-7, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 5,035 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Rangers, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Rangers are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.