Burger’s Power, Late Wild Pitch Lift Rangers Past Mariners

Burger Drives In Runs

Jake Burger provided the offensive spark for the Texas Rangers on Saturday, delivering a two-homer performance that helped secure a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Burger finished with three runs batted in, including a two-run blast in the fourth inning and a sacrifice single in the sixth.

The Rangers (52-51) overcame an early deficit to take control of the series opener. Seattle (51-53) had jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Josh Jung’s teammate, Langford, launched a 384-foot home run to left field. Texas responded in the second inning, tying the game at 1-1 when We.

Wilson singled to right, allowing Naylor to score while Young advanced to third.

Rangers Take Lead

The momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Burger connected for his first home run of the game. His 362-foot shot to right field drove in two runs, giving Texas a 3-1 advantage. Duran crossed the plate on the play, extending the Rangers' lead before Seattle could answer.

Seattle attempted to rally in the fifth inning. Canzone doubled to center field, bringing both Arozarena and Emerson home to tie the game at 3-3. The Mariners’ offense remained active in the sixth inning, taking a 4-3 lead when Burger, despite his earlier power, singled to center, allowing Nimmo to score.

Lopez followed with a sacrifice bunt, moving Burger to second and scoring Carter to make it 5-3.

Late Drama

The game remained tight until the ninth inning. With the score at 5-4, the Mariners threatened to tie the game again. Emerson scored on a wild pitch by Texas reliever Jacob Latz, making the score 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth. However, the Rangers managed to hold on for the win, with Latz earning the save. The final attendance was 33,478.

Pitching Performances

MacKenzie Gore started for the Rangers, pitching five innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out five. He received support from the bullpen, with Peyton Gray earning the win by pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Jakob Junis and Tyler Alexander each pitched a scoreless inning to preserve the lead, with Junis recording his 13th hold and Alexander his ninth.

Cole Winn closed out the final frame without allowing a hit.

For Seattle, Bryce Miller took the loss after pitching 5.1 innings. He allowed five earned runs on six hits and one walk, striking out zero batters. Eduard Bazardo and Michael Rucker combined for 2.2 scoreless innings, with Rucker striking out three batters. The Mariners fell to 51-53, while the Rangers improved to 52-51.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816248