OAKLAND, Calif.—Corey Seager hit a two-out, three-run home run in the eighth inning Monday night, rallying the Texas Rangers to a 4–2 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
The defending World Series champions were trailing 2–0 until Seager drilled a full-count pitch from reliever Lucas Erceg (1–2) over the wall in right-center field. Texas added an insurance run in the ninth on an error by Oakland first baseman Tyler Nevin.
Erceg threw six consecutive changeups to Seager, and the last one leaked out over the plate.
“I think [Josh Smith] had a good at-bat, Leody [Taveras] put a good swing on the ball—and I just got fortunate enough to get the worn-down version,” Seager said.
Kirby Yates got three outs for his sixth save.
The A’s, who are leaving Oakland at the end of this season for Sacramento while they await a new stadium in Las Vegas, drew a season-low 2,895 fans at the Coliseum.
Texas has won four of its past five games, and tied a season high with its three-game win streak. The A’s have dropped two in a row after having won six straight.
Darell Hernaiz and Esteury Ruiz each had a sacrifice fly for Oakland.
Rangers starter Andrew Heaney allowed two runs in six-plus innings as he dueled with counterpart Alex Wood, who pitched six scoreless innings. Texas was 0–6 in games started by Heaney entering Monday.
“Just try to manage to keep the game close, keep plugging away, give those guys a chance,“ Heaney said. ”It’s a good feeling knowing that we’ve got guys like [Seager] and Marcus [Semien] and the guys that ... can come in in big situations and get those big hits, and obviously win the game for us.”
José Leclerc (3–2) struck out two in a hitless inning for the win.
A’s Manager Mark Kotsay said his team needed a good outing from Wood, who delivered his first quality start of the season.
“Six innings, two hits, mixing his pitches—just a really well-executed game plan,” Mr. Kotsay said. “A well-pitched game tonight.”
Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy, who spent 13 seasons managing the San Francisco Giants and won three World Series titles with them, reminisced about his time in the Bay Area before the game. He also caught up with Mr. Kotsay, who played for Mr. Bochy in San Diego.
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager makes a throw to first base against the A's in Oakland, Calif., on May 6, 2024. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo)
“It’s always good to get back in the Bay,” Mr. Bochy said. “I love the Bay. It just feels good, the air.”
Mr. Bochy is sad the A’s will be departing Oakland, describing “good battles” as part of the Bay Bridge rivalry series with the Giants.
“We came in here just like they came in our place, trying to do all you can to be wearing the horns in the Bay Area,” Mr. Bochy said. “But it will be sad that it’s going to be over. Probably. I can’t say definitely.”
Trainer’s Room
Rangers: Rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list. … Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (groin) does not have a sports hernia and isn’t expected to need a minor-league rehab assignment before coming off the 15-day injured list.Athletics: Outfielder Esteury Ruiz was back in the lineup and playing through a sprained wrist sustained Saturday. He underwent an MRI. … Right-hander Joe Boyle (back) was placed on the 15-day injured list after being lifted from Sunday’s start. He will be held back from baseball activity for a while. … Right-hander Luis Medina (knee) and lefty Sean Newcomb (knee) will both face hitters in Arizona this week.
Up Next
Right-hander Ross Stripling (1–5, 4.24 earned-run sverage) pitches Tuesday for Oakland against Rangers righty José Ureña (0–2, 4.35).By Eric He
