DeGrom’s return solidifies Rangers’ momentum as they close in on AL West lead
Texas Rangers extend winning streak to four games with 5-1 victory over Baltimore Orioles, moving within half a game of division leadership.
Jacob deGrom delivered a decisive performance on Saturday night, striking out nine batters in five innings to secure his first win since June 30 and extend the Texas Rangers’ winning streak to four games. The two-time Cy Young Award winner’s 5-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles marks a significant turning point for a franchise that recently endured a season-worst six-game losing streak, which had previously knocked them out of first place in the American League West.
The win moves the Rangers within half a game of the division lead, a position they held earlier in the season before their recent slump. DeGrom, who expressed a desire to remain with the team before the August 3 trade deadline, threw 88 pitches and walked one batter while striking out half of the 18 batters he faced. His career strikeout total reached 1,995 with this outing.
Prior to this start, deGrom had struggled, going 0-2 in his previous four starts and allowing 13 earned runs in 18 innings. This performance included a difficult outing last weekend in Houston where he gave up five runs and five walks in 3 1/3 innings. Manager Skip Schumaker noted that deGrom did not pitch into the sixth inning due to hip discomfort, though he described the issue as not major.
“Probably a little bit emotional for him today,” said Corey Seager, the two-time World Series MVP shortstop who hit a three-run homer during the game. “Just to kind of go out there and prove why he wanted to be here and why he's been here, and why he's been the best and why we want him to be here ... it was fun to watch.”
DeGrom allowed a solo home run to Jackson Holliday after striking out the first two batters, but otherwise maintained control. “My goodness, he was on,” Schumaker said. “Punchout after punchout, weak contact, just an unbelievable start. ... Really good stuff. Just kind of vintage deGrom that we're used to seeing.”
The 38-year-old pitcher has a full no-trade clause in his contract, and at least one playoff-contending team inquired about his availability before the deadline. DeGrom stated that the team would manage his hip discomfort and keep going, signalling a renewed focus for the Rangers as they look to reclaim their standing in the AL West.
