Nationals 2, Rangers 1
ARLINGTON, Texas, June 24 — The Texas Rangers fell in their series opener to the Washington Nationals by a final score of 2–1. Rangers Center fielder Adolis Garcia hit his 14th home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning. While it provided a spark inside Globe Life Field, it wasn’t enough to propel the Rangers to a victory on Friday evening. The second game of this three-game set is on Saturday afternoon. Right-hander Josiah Gray (6–4, 3.95 ERA) will start for the Nationals. The Rangers will counter with Brett Martin (0–4, 3.80 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 PM Central.
Garcia’s Great Night for Rangers
The Rangers fell behind 1–0 in the top of the sixth inning. Nationals shortstop Luis Garcia hit a ground-rule double to right-center field. This drove in Josh Bell. It would not take long, however, for the Rangers to answer said run. Adolis Garcia led off the bottom of the sixth inning with his 14th home run of the season. The game-tying blast went to left-center field. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the small burst of offense wouldn’t cut it on Friday in front of their home crowd made up of 28,854 fans. The Nationals scored their second, and final run in the top of the eighth inning. Juan Soto scored on an RBI single by Bell.
Even though the Rangers had a rough night, Garcia quietly had a great night, both at the plate and in the field. In the fourth inning, he made a great throw from center field to get former Ranger, and current Nationals player Nelson Cruz out at the plate. The throw kept the game in a scoreless tie until the top of the sixth inning. This was becoming a small patter at this point. In the top of the first inning, Garcia robbed Cruz of extra bases with a great catch in center field. Even though his team lost, it was evident that Garcia was having fun on Friday.
Rangers/Nationals Pitching Notes
Dane Dunning started the game for Texas on Friday. He took a no decision despite turning in his sixth quality start of the season. Dunning pitched six innings, and gave up one earned run on seven hits. Matt Bush came on in relief in the seventh inning. He pitched well, striking out two in his perfect frame. Dennis Santana came in in the eighth inning, but could only record one out. He surrendered one earned run on two hits. Santana also had one strikeout. He took the loss for the Rangers. His record for the 2022 campaign is now 3–3, with an ERA of 1.59.
Brett Martin was the final pitcher that the Rangers used on Friday. He threw 1 2/3 innings. Martin also did well, striking out one in his outing. Righty Carl Edwards Jr. got the winning decision for the Nationals in this one. He came on in relief of starter Paolo Espino, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, in the bottom of the sixth inning. Espino allowed the Rangers’ only run of the night. He gave up six hits, one walk, and he didn’t strike anyone out. Edwards’ record for the 2022 season now sits at 1–1, with an ERA of 2.63. The middle game between the Rangers and Nationals is going to be interesting.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Adolis Garcia, Josiah Gray, Matt Bush, Luis Garcia, Josh Bell, Juan Soto, Nelson Cruz, Dane Dunning, Dennis Santana, Brett Martin, Carl Edwards Jr., Paolo Espino, Brett Martin
