Surging Seager, Cunning Dunning! Texas Rangers Win Third Straight, Sweep Arizona Diamondbacks

In his second start since returning from the injured list, Dane Dunning held the Arizona Diamondbacks scoreless over five innings as the Texas Rangers swept the two-game series.

May 29, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Dane Dunning (33) delivers to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers are rolling again.

Corey Seager homered for the eighth time in the past eight games, and Dane Dunning threw five scoreless innings in his second start since returning from the injured list as the Rangers swept the two-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 Wednesday afternoon at Globe Life Field.

Seager has homered in seven of the past eight games and has 13 on the season. He's the fifth player in Rangers history to hit eight or more homers in an eight-game stretch and the fifth MLB shortstop to do it. The other Rangers to go on a similar power surge are Joey Gallo in 2021, Josh Hamilton (five times) in 2012, Rafael Palmeiro in 1999, and Jose Canseco in 1994.

The Rangers have won three consecutive games after dropping their previous six, including a 1-5 road trip. They're off Thursday before starting a weekend series Friday in Miami.

There's hot and then there's Corey. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/SPbr4ASv7I

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 29, 2024

Three thoughts from Wednesday's game:

1. Wyatt Langford Is Back

Apr 30, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (36) runs to third base during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Wyatt Langford collected his first hit since May 1 with a leadoff single in the third inning. He scored on Jonah Heim's double to the left-field corner two pitches later to give Texas a 1-0 lead. Langford played left field on Wednesday. In his first game back from the IL. on Tuesday, he was the designated hitter and was 0 for 3 with a strikeout. It should be noted, however, that he was squeezed on the strikeout, with Strike 3 clearly several inches off the plate, according to pitch tracker. He grounded out in the sixth with an exit velocity of 106.8. Langford added a two-out RBI single in the eighth to go 2 for 4.

Wyatt wheels on full display. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/xwLToxr6Fx

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 29, 2024

2. Bullish Bullpen

Jun 15, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jesus Tinoco (63) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers bullpen came up big again. Jose Leclerc, Jesus Tinoco, and David Robertson combined for three scoreless innings of relief ahead of Jacob Latz. With a six-run lead, the Rangers didn't have to use closer Kirby Yates, or so they hoped. Latz allowed three singles to open the ninth. A double play helped him prevent a big D-Backs rally but after Latz walked the next batter, Bochy called on Yates for the final out.

3. Up Next

Apr 23, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Urena (54) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers are off Thursday before starting a weekend series against the Marlins at 6:10 p.m. Friday in Miami. Jose Urena (1-4, 3.53) is set to start the opener against right-hander Sixto Sanchez (0-3, 6.25).
The Rangers have yet to announce their starters for Saturday and Sunday but Bochy indicated that Andrew Heaney and Nathan Eovaldi are the likely options. The Marlins are pitching two left-handers, Ryan Weathers (3-4, 3.16) and Trevor Rogers (1-6, 5.65).

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex.

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