Texas Rangers' Rookie and All-Star Puts Up Rarely Seen Stat Line in Game 2 Win Over Rays

As the Texas Rangers pushed their way into the American League Division Series on Wednesday afternoon, they got a historic effort from rookie Josh Jung.

The Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday afternoon, eliminating the 99-win Rays and advancing to the American League Division Series.

The Rangers will take on the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS, which begins on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET.

In the 7-1 win, the Rangers got excellent pitching from Nathan Eovaldi and two relievers, while also getting an elite offensive performance.

Texas, owners of one of the most vaunted lineups in baseball, got at least one hit from every member of the starting lineup - and got three hits from rookie Josh Jung.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Josh Jung’s 3 XBH are tied for the most by a rookie in a postseason game, with: 

2022 ALCS G1 Jeremy Peña 

2015 ALDS G4 Carlos Correa 

2008 ALCS G2 Evan Longoria 

2007 WS G3 Jacoby Ellsbury 

1953 WS G4 Jim Gilliam

Josh Jung’s 3 XBH are tied for the most by a rookie in a postseason game, with:

2022 ALCS G1 Jeremy Peña
2015 ALDS G4 Carlos Correa
2008 ALCS G2 Evan Longoria
2007 WS G3 Jacoby Ellsbury
1953 WS G4 Jim Gilliam https://t.co/2rPzndWWdf

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 4, 2023

Jung had two doubles and a triple in the victory and hit .375 in the two-game series with two RBI. 

An All-Star this season, Jung hit .266 in 478 at-bats. He dealt with a lengthy injury but was still one of the most impactful rookies in all of baseball. He hit 23 homers and had 70 RBI while posting an OPS of .782.

With Jung, Adolis Garcia, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien locked up for years, the Rangers figure to be a problem for American League teams for years to come.

No word yet on who the Rangers will pitch in Game 1 of the ALDS. The Orioles have yet to announce a starter as well.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Check out more Texas Rangers coverage at Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Inside the Rangers.