Jacob deGrom Returns, Texas Rangers Take Another Series by Beating Athletics

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Jacob deGrom didn’t miss a beat in his return the Texas Rangers won another series, besting the Oakland Athletics 5-2 Sunday afternoon at Globe Life Field.
The American League West-leading Rangers (14-7) are seven games over .500 for the first time since being 50-43 on July 13, 2019. Texas is also tied for its fourth-best start after 21 games. Only the 1989 and 2012 clubs (both 16-5), and the 1976 squad (15-6) have been better.
By taking the rubber match against 4-18 Oakland, the Rangers are 6-1 in series finales this season. Texas has also won four consecutive series for the first time since taking five in a row in 2018 and is 5-2 overall in series.
deGrom (2-0) got the win in his first outing since being pulled early Monday against the Kansas City Royals with right wrist soreness. The right-hander worked six solid innings and struck out 11, including the last five batters he faced.
Shea Langeliers did touch up the Texas ace for a two-run homer in the fourth. Texas is 5-0 in deGrom starts.
Rangers designated hitter Robbie Grossman supplied all the offense deGrom needed with a three-run shot to left in the second. It was his second long ball of the season, and Grossman added a sac fly in the fourth.
The Rangers take on their third consecutive last-place team, traveling to face the Cincinnati Reds. The three-game series opens Monday night at 5:40 p.m., with Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 5.40) going for Texas and Nick Lodolo (2-1, 4.98) on the mound for the Reds.
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Art Garcia (@ArtGarcia92) has watched, wondered and written about those fortunate few to play games since the 1990s. Award-winning stops at NBA.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and San Antonio Express-News dot a career that includes extensive writing for such outlets as ESPN.com, FOXSports.com, CBSSports.com, The Sporting News, among others. He is a former professor of sports reporting at UT Arlington and continues to work in the communications field. Garcia began covering the Dallas Mavericks right around Mark Cuban purchasing the club in 2000. The Texas A&M grad has also covered the Cowboys, Rangers, TCU, Big 12, Final Fours, countless bowl games, including the National Championship, and just about everything involving a ball in Texas.
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