Rangers Sweep Angels as Rocker Earns First MLB Victory

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers completed a three-game series sweep against the Los Angeles Angels with a 5-3 victory Thursday night. Kumar Rocker struck out a career-high eight batters over a career-long seven innings, marking his first Major League Baseball victory.

Drafted third overall by Texas in 2022, Rocker (1-2) threw 78 pitches, allowing three runs on five hits without issuing a walk. This win extends the Rangers’ home winning streak to nine games, showcasing their dominance at Globe Life Field.

“I just focused on trusting my stuff and executing my pitches,” Rocker said after the game. “I’m grateful for the support from my teammates and everyone who has been there for me through this journey.”

In the offensive lineup, Leody Taveras delivered a two-run double. Adolis García hit his 15th career home run against the Angels, while Corey Seager reached a milestone by hitting his 100th homer with the Rangers.

The Angels, on the other hand, have now lost four straight games and scored only four runs over the span of the series. They are struggling after having played 15 of their first 18 games on the road, which ties the 1957 Chicago Cubs for the most road games to start a season.

Ranger’s manager Bruce Bochy achieved a milestone of his own, tying Dusty Baker for seventh place overall with his 2,183rd managerial win. After the game, Bochy remarked, “It’s always nice to reach these milestones, but I’m more focused on the team’s success right now.”

The Angels’ José Soriano (2-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Angels managed to close the game within a run in the fifth inning but could not capitalize, as they failed to score when two runners were on base.

Looking ahead, the Rangers will next host their intra-state rivals, the Houston Astros, while the Angels return home to face the San Francisco Giants.