Josh Jung Moves Up, Texas Rangers Down White Sox to Open Trip

The Texas Rangers extended their winning streak to three by beating the Chicago White Sox to open a seven-game road trip.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Batting third for the first time this season, Josh Jung took advantage and helped lead the Texas Rangers to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The American League West-leading Rangers (45-27) have won three consecutive games following a 2-7 stretch. Texas improved to 21-14 on the road after opening the seven-game trip.

Jung was moved up in the order with left-hander Tanner Banks starting for Chicago. The move split up the Rangers’ usual lineup of lefties Corey Seager and Nathaniel Lowe batting second and third. Lowe moved into Jung’s customary fifth spot.

The third baseman went 3-for-5 with his 15th home run – tied for the most among rookies – and scored twice. Jung tied Adolis García for the team lead in homers.

After struggling in his last few starts, Andrew Heaney was more effective and improved to 5-4. The lefty went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out six.

The Rangers got on the board early, with a two-out rally in the first against Banks. Jung started it with single and García smoked a double to left-center that reached the wall, allowing Jung to score easily.

Jung drilled a solo shot to left in the third. Mitch Garver drove in Lowe an inning later.

The White Sox (31-43) hit back-to-back homers from Andrew Vaughn and Luis Robert Jr. in the sixth to pull within 3-2.

In the next half inning, the Rangers loaded the bases with two outs and Jonah Heim lined a single to right off reliever Aaron Bummer to score two for a three-run lead.

Chicago loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, but reliever Josh Sborz got consecutive punchouts to end the threat.

The series continues at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, with Nathan Eovaldi (9-3, 2.59) going for Texas opposite Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.31).

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