Corey Seager hit a two-run double with two outs in the eighth inning, helping the Texas Rangers secure a 2-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. The victory allowed the Rangers to finally return to a .500 record, while also extending the Tigers’ season-worst losing streak to five games.
A Scoreless Game Until the Eighth
Both teams’ starting pitchers dominated through most of the game, keeping the score tied at 0-0. Rangers left-hander Patrick Corbin pitched 5 2/3 innings, striking out six Tigers. On the other side, Detroit’s Reese Olson also pitched well, striking out five and allowing only two hits, including a double to Jonah Heim in the sixth inning.
Seager’s Clutch Hit
The game turned in the eighth inning when the Rangers managed to break through. With one out and Kyle Higashioka on second after a double, Cody Freeman, making his big-league debut, came in to pinch-run.
Seager then hit a line drive into the right-center gap, scoring Freeman and Josh Smith, who had walked. Seager’s two-run double gave the Rangers the lead, and the clutch hit also extended his on-base streak to 19 games.
Rangers’ Strong Bullpen Performance
The Rangers’ bullpen continued its strong performance. Chris Martin, the third Texas pitcher, pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Robert Garcia closed out the game with a perfect ninth, earning his seventh save in 10 chances and completing the Rangers’ 10th shutout of the season.
Tigers’ Struggles and Seager’s Impact
The Tigers, who entered the game with a league-best record of 59-39, were held scoreless for the sixth time this season. Despite having six players in this week’s All-Star Game, Detroit’s offense couldn’t break through Texas’ pitching.
With the win, the Rangers (49-49) got back to .500 for the first time since June 15, ending a seven-game skid in which they had failed to reach that mark.
The two teams meet again on Saturday night for the middle game of their three-game series. Detroit will start Keider Montero (4-1, 4.02 ERA), while the Rangers will send rookie Kumar Rocker (3-4, 6.39 ERA) to the mound.
