Back In First! Texas Rangers Reclaim AL West Lead With 9 Games Remaining

The Texas Rangers beat to Seattle Mariners to move back into first place in the American League West, a half-game ahead of the Houston Astros.

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers are back in first place in the American League West.

Corey Seager and Evan Carter homered early to lead the Rangers 8-5 win over the Seattle Mariners Friday at Globe Life Field.

The Rangers (85-68) moved a half-game ahead of the Houston Astros (85-69), who lost Friday to the Royals.

The Mariners (84-69) dropped a game back of first place and a game back in the AL Wild Card race behind the Blue Jays and Astros.

The Rangers are in sole possession of first place for the first time since Aug. 24. They last shared first place on Aug. 29. Texas has nine games remaining, including six against the Mariners.

Mitch Garver's two-run single capped a four-run fifth that gave Texas an 8-0 lead.

The Mariners scored four in the sixth to pull to within 8-4. They added another run in the ninth against Aroldis Chapman.

Rangers 8, Mariners 5

Here are the key moments from Friday's game:

Chapman Remains Wobbly

Aroldis Chapman allowed a run and had the bases loaded before finishing the ninth. Chapman has allowed runs in six of his past 11 appearances.

Heim's Time

Jonah Heim’s career-high 91 RBI tied for second-most by Rangers' primary catcher. He's tied with Iván Rodríguez in 1998 and only trails Rodríguez's 113 RBI in 1999.

Dane Dunning Good Enough

Starter Dane Dunning was excellent for five innings, holding the Mariners scoreless on one hit. But Seattle scored four in the sixth, including Cal Raleigh's three-run homer. Chris Stratton replaced Dunning with one out and walked in a run.

Up Next

Left-hander Jordan Montgomery (9-11, 3.38) faces right-hander ogan Gilbert (13-6, 3.77) in Game 2 at 6:05 p.m. Saturday.

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You can follow Stefan Stevenson on Twitter @StefanVersusTex.

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