Adolis García’s two-run home run propelled the Texas Rangers to a thrilling 4-3 walk-off victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. This defeat halted the Dodgers’ four-game winning streak and thwarted their chance of catching up to the San Diego Padres in the National League West standings.
García smashed a 93.3 mph fastball from Dodgers reliever Kirby Yates for his fourth homer of the season, securing the win for the Rangers. Before giving up García’s home run, Yates allowed a leadoff double to Josh Smith, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position.
“We had the right guy up there,” remarked Rangers manager Bruce Bochy post-game. “He had a good swing, and we needed it. Our pitching has been solid, so it was great to finally get a win in one of these close games.”
Texas has now won four of its last five games, bouncing back from a tough 3-0 loss to the Dodgers on Friday where Jacob deGrom took the loss despite a stellar performance on the mound.
Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven strong innings on Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with seven strikeouts. However, he did not factor into the decision. Jacob Webb (2-0) earned his second win of the season with two innings of solid relief.
The walk-off victory denied Roki Sasaki his first win with the Dodgers. The talented Japanese pitcher suffered his first loss of the season in his previous start against the Chicago Cubs, despite only conceding one run in five innings.
Through five appearances this season, Sasaki has posted a 3.20 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. However, he has also given up 13 hits and issued 16 walks. Saturday marked his first six-inning start, which he accomplished with just 78 pitches (49 strikes).
The game saw Texas take an early 2-0 lead on Kyle Higashioka’s two-run homer off Sasaki after a leadoff walk to Dustin Harris in the third inning. The Dodgers rallied to take a 3-2 lead in the fourth thanks to a two-run blast by Freddie Freeman and an RBI double from Max Muncy.
Currently, the Rangers sit atop the AL West standings, holding a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels.
Yates took the loss for the Dodgers, raising his season ERA to 3.48. He has conceded four runs and eight hits in 10 1/3 innings while striking out 20 batters.
In the upcoming game, Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.85 ERA) will take the mound for the Dodgers, facing off against Tyler Mahle (3-0, 0.92 ERA) of the Rangers.