Inside The Rangers

Aroldis Chapman Hits Another Gear in First Win for Texas Rangers

In six appearances, Aroldis Chapman has recorded the 13 fastest pitches among all Texas Rangers pitchers.

Stefan Stevenson

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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ARLINGTON, Texas – Aroldis Chapman recorded his first win with the Texas Rangers Monday night as he pitched a perfect ninth in the 3-2 walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Chapman earned the win with some extra flair. He struck out the side and twice hit 102.8 mph on the radar gun. Those are the hardest pitches thrown by a Rangers pitcher in the Statcast era (since 2015). Chapman broke his own record of 102.5 mph, which he set Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. Chapman owns the 13 fastest pitches recorded by a Texas pitcher this season in just six appearances.

In six games (one inning each), Chapman has allowed no runs on two hits while striking out 10 with no walks. He earned his first save with the Rangers on Saturday.

"You've got one of the best closers in the game. He's got a tremendous resume," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. "The stuff is moving, he's got a good slider. He's throwing strikes. I said he would change this club, this bullpen, that he'd make us a much better team, and he's done that. To go out there and throw like that, that was really impressive."

Chapman’s scoreless ninth was followed with wild finish With the score tied, 2-2, Josh Jung led off the frame with a double and was lifted for pinch runner Josh Smith, who eventually came around score the game-winning run on a two-out wild pitch by Tampa Bay’s Pete Fairbanks.

It marked the Rangers’ third walk-off victory of the season and first since June 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals. The last walk-off win on a wild pitch since came on March 31, 2019 against the Chicago Cubs, with Joey Gallo scoring.

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Stefan Stevenson
STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.

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