Texas Rangers Squander Lead in Diamondbacks Loss

The Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks spit a two-game interleague series at Globe Life Field.

In a game of big innings, the Arizona Diamondbacks had more Wednesday afternoon to beat the Texas Rangers 12-7 at Globe Life Field.

The American League West-leading Rangers (18-12) had their four-game winning streak snapped in splitting the quick two-game interleague series.

The Diamondbacks (17-14) racked up three innings of at least three runs, with two coming against Texas starter Andrew Heaney. The left-hander was tagged for six runs in 4 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and walking four.

Down 6-2, the Rangers mounted a rally for the second consecutive game in the series. Texas piled up five runs in the fifth to briefly take a 7-6 lead.

It didn’t last.

Rangers relievers Josh Sborz, Jose Leclerc and Ian Kennedy each gave up runs as Arizona pulled away down the stretch. Leclerc gave up two runs on two walks and a hit, while getting only one out.

Sborz (0-1) took the loss after allowing three runs.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged pregame that Leclerc would no longer share save chances, with that role going primarily to Will Smith.

Bochy added that shortstop Corey Seager is about 7-10 days from returning to the lineup.

Texas did get offensive contributions up and down the lineup, with AL Rookie of the Month Josh Jung homering twice. Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras also went deep.

Arizona matched Texas with four long balls, with Christian Walker also homering twice.

The Rangers are off Thursday before starting a 10-game road trip Friday at the Los Angeles Angels. Texas hasn’t been announced a starting pitcher for the series opener. That would have been Jacob deGrom’s turn in the rotation, but Bochy has several options with his ace on the injured list.

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