The Texas Rangers scored eight runs while the New York Mets scored three runs.
They’re so weird, man.
This bizarre team came into New York fresh off a sweep of the MLB-leading Milwaukee Brewers. One had to wonder if maybe the day off on Thursday would act to cool them down. Instead, they were red hot right out of the gate against one of the Mets’ young heralded arms.
Tonight’s starter for New York Jonah Tong — a top prospect who had allowed just 18 earned runs in 113.2 minor league innings this year
— didn’t even make it out of the first inning against Texas’ virtually minor league lineup. Tong got two outs but the Rangers scored six runs in the first inning, their most in an opening frame since 2022.
It’s pretty rare that you feel like your team is set to coast to victory after like 20 minutes into a big league baseball game. But that’s what it felt like after they knocked Tong out of the game early following three walks and four hits off the rookie as Texas batted around. And, other than a three-run third inning hiccup from Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, it was prime coasting.
Overall the Rangers collected eleven hits to score their eight runs with Josh Smith, Jake Burger, Josh Jung, and Michael Helman leading the way with two hits apiece. Notably, Texas also drew five walks and only struck out three times. Pinch hitting for Joc Pederson, Dylan Moore added the non-first inning barrage insurance with Texas’ only home run of the night, a two-run blast in the seventh that produced the final score.
The Mets keep sliding — losers of seven in a row, and the Rangers keep rising — winners of five in a row. Hopefully that can continue over the rest of the weekend.
Player of the Game: You can pick several people from the lineup for this nod but even so I’ll highlight deGrom despite his uncharacteristic third inning which was the only moment where the Rangers seemed even mildly in danger tonight.
Overall deGrom went seven innings on an economical 88 pitches. The former Met allowed three runs on four hits including a solo home run. Three of the Mets’ four hits off deGrom came in that tricky third inning, otherwise he was dealing. It wasn’t a high strikeout night for deGrom — he only had two — but he also didn’t walk anyone.
It was likely a night where the emotions were high for deGrom as he was back on the Citi Field mound for the first time as a visitor, but he came through big for Texas with an excellent start and was, of course, backed up mightily by the bats who gave him a comfortable lead before he had to make his first pitch.
Up Next: The Rangers and Mets will be back at it tomorrow with LHP Patrick Corbin on the mound for Texas opposite another young hurler for New York, RHP Brandon Sproat. (Fun fact: The Rangers drafted Sproat out of high school in the seventh round in 2019, but he did not sign.)
The Saturday afternoon first pitch from Citi Field is scheduled for 3:10 pm CT and will be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.
