Gut Punch! Texas Rangers Fail to Clinch Playoff Berth After Seattle Mariners Walk-Off Win

The Texas Rangers were on the verge of clinching a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 before the Seattle Mariners rallied in the ninth.

The Texas Rangers were one out from locking down meaningful October baseball for the first time in seven years.

They’ll have to wait at least another day.

Monty Montgomery pitched another gem, backed by home runs from Adolis García and Leody Taveras, but the Rangers failed to clinch a playoff berth Thursday night when the bullpen melted down in a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

Texas was up 2-1 going into the ninth, but Aroldis Chapman gave up two hits and a walk without tallying an out. Jonathan Hernández came in for the fireballer and nearly put out the fire, but a two-out hit gave Seattle the comeback walk-off victory.

Jordan Montgomery was solid, but the Texas Rangers didn't clinch a playoff berth.

© Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

“Johnny did a nice job getting two outs there with the bases loaded,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “Sure, that’s a tough one.”

The Rangers (89-70) needed one win to clinch the ninth postseason appearance in franchise history.

The magic number for the division crown remains at two with three games against Seattle to go. The Houston Astros (87-72) trail the Rangers by two games. The Mariners (86-73) remain alive, as well.

Should the Rangers lock down the division, it comes with a bye to the AL Division Series. Texas would avoid the Wild Card round.

The Rangers still control their playoff destiny.

“We’ve got to bounce back,” Bochy said.

Mariners 3, Rangers 2

Notables from the Texas-Seattle series opener:

Monty Battles Again

Jordan Montgomery has become the ace of the staff, delivering another high-quality performance in a high-pressure situation. The veteran lefty went six innings and allowed only one run on five hits with five strikeouts.

That’s been what the Rangers have been getting out of Montgomery lately. He allowed just one earned run in the previous three starts over a total of 21 innings.

Andrew Heaney relieved Montgomery in the seventh with a 2-1 lead and pitched a scoreless inning. Jose Leclerc did the same in the eighth, but Aroldis Chapman loaded the bases without getting an out in the ninth.

Jonathan Hernández nearly saved the day. He got two popups before J.P. Crawford slapped an opposite-field hit to left over Evan Carter to win it. 

 

Long Balls Drive Scoring

Texas came into the game leading the American League in homers for the season. The 49 homers this month are tied for the most in September in club history with the 2011 squad.

The Rangers got solo blasts from Leody Taveras (third inning) and Adolis García (fourth) off Seattle starter Logan Gilbert. García extended his season career high to 39 long balls.

Texas had only three hits, but two really counted.

Up Next

The four-game series continues Friday with a 9:10 p.m. CT first pitch. Neither teams had officially announced a starting pitcher Thursday, but the Rangers are staying in turn and going with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (12-4, 3.26). Seattle righty Bryan Woo (4-5, 4.39) is expected to start for the home team.

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