In a commanding performance that had the home crowd buzzing, MacKenzie Gore delivered a career-best outing, tossing eight innings of three-hit ball as the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-4 on Tuesday night. The left-hander, now in his fifth MLB season, was in complete control from the first pitch, throwing just 95 pitches while striking out five and walking only one. It was the kind of start that reminds everyone why he's a key piece of the Rangers' rotation.
Gore's only blemish came in the third inning when Ildemaro Vargas launched a solo home run, but the 27-year-old locked in from there, matching the longest start by any Texas pitcher this season. For a guy who had previously worked seven innings six times, this was a clear step forward—and exactly the kind of performance the Rangers needed.
The offense gave Gore plenty of support. Joc Pederson wasted no time, crushing the second pitch of the game from Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen for a leadoff homer, setting the tone early. Ezequiel Duran added a solo shot in the fourth, and later drove in another run with an infield single that chased Gallen in the fifth. Jake Burger was a machine at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs, reaching base a season-high four times.
Gallen struggled mightily, allowing a season-high seven runs over just 4 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks right-hander has now posted a 10.67 ERA over three May starts, a stretch he'll be eager to put behind him. Vargas, meanwhile, had a solid night at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a solo homer and an RBI single in the ninth, raising his batting average to .336.
The Rangers had a scare in the sixth when right fielder Brandon Nimmo left the game after his left foot caught the edge of first baseman Vargas's foot while trying to leg out an infield single. Sam Haggerty came in as a pinch-runner, and the team will monitor Nimmo's status moving forward.
The ninth inning brought some drama. Reliever Grant Collyer allowed the first four batters to reach, but Jacob Latz entered and slammed the door, retiring the side on just 12 pitches. He allowed two inherited runners to score but held on for his fifth save of the season, securing the win for Texas.
The series wraps up Wednesday with a rubber game matchup: Arizona's Ryne Nelson (1-3, 5.68 ERA) takes on Texas's Kumar Rocker (1-4, 5.01 ERA). If Gore's performance is any indication, the Rangers have some serious momentum on their side.