The Texas Rangers dominated the Atlanta Braves with an 8-1 victory on Sunday, completing a three-game series sweep. Josh Smith hit a two-run home run, and Wyatt Langford added a bases-clearing double as the Rangers took control early, scoring eight runs in the first three innings.
Strong Performance from Jack Leiter
Rookie pitcher Jack Leiter (7-6) had an impressive outing, setting a career-high with 100 pitches. He matched his personal best with seven strikeouts and allowed just one run on two hits and three walks over six innings.
Texas Continues Winning Streak
With the win, Texas (56-50) extended its winning streak to six games, moving six games over .500 for the first time since April 6. The Rangers are now only four games behind first place in the AL West and just half a game away from a wild-card spot.
Struggles for Atlanta Braves
On the other hand, Atlanta (44-60) struggled again. Starter Bryce Elder (4-7), who grew up near Arlington, allowed all eight of Texas’ runs. The Braves only managed four hits and lost their fifth straight game. They are now 12 games behind in the wild-card race, despite making the postseason for the last seven years.
Notable Players
Corey Seager of Texas extended his on-base streak to 27 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball, with a single and a walk.
Leiter faced some challenges in the second inning when Atlanta had runners at second and third with one out after an RBI double from Sean Murphy. However, he managed to retire Ozzie Albies and Nick Allen, preventing any further scoring.
Upcoming Games
The Rangers finished their homestand with an 8-1 record after the All-Star break. Both teams will be on the road on Monday. Atlanta’s Bryce Elder will face Kansas City’s Rich Hill, while Texas’ Jacob deGrom will pitch against the Los Angeles Angels.
