Kyle Higashioka's 5 RBIs & 3-run homer led the Rangers to a 7-4 win over the Padres on July 6, 2025. Jack Leiter earned the win. Recap the huge victory!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a much-needed offensive explosion, the Texas Rangers found an unlikely hero on Sunday. Catcher Kyle Higashioka put the team on his back, delivering a career night with a three-run homer and five RBIs to lead the Rangers to a decisive 7-4 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The win brings the Rangers' record to 44-45 and provides a jolt of momentum as they close out the series.
'He was locked in all night and gave us exactly what we needed.' - Bruce Bochy on Kyle Higashioka
It was Kyle Higashioka's night, and everyone else was just living in it. The veteran catcher was a one-man wrecking crew, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. The defining moment came in the 4th inning when he crushed a three-run homer that broke the game open and silenced the San Diego crowd. Adding two more RBIs for good measure, Higashioka single-handedly outscored the Padres. His performance, which boosted his season average to .241, was a massive lift for an offense that has been searching for consistency.
On the mound, rookie Jack Leiter delivered a gritty performance to earn his fifth win of the season, improving his record to 5-5. While he wasn't flawless, Leiter navigated 5.2 innings, allowing three runs while striking out six. 'I felt good with my fastball command and trusted the defense behind me,' Leiter said postgame. After his exit, the bullpen was stellar, allowing just one run over the final 3.1 innings. The effort was capped off by a lockdown 9th inning from David Robertson, who secured his 17th save of the year.
While Higashioka was the main event, he had help. Josh Smith continued his stellar season, launching his 9th home run in the very first inning to get the Rangers on the board. Smith finished 2-for-4, raising his average to .283 and extending his on-base streak to an impressive 12 straight games. The contributions weren't limited to the plate, either. A strong defensive play by Wyatt Langford in left field helped keep the Padres at bay, highlighting a complete team effort.
The Rangers escaped San Diego with no new injuries to report, a welcome bit of stability. The lineup remained consistent, with Adolis García and Evan Carter holding down their outfield spots. Meanwhile, down on the farm, all eyes remain on top pitching prospect Kamar Rocker. After a recent demotion to Triple-A, the organization is closely monitoring his progress, hoping to see the adjustments needed for a potential return to the big league club later this month. For now, he remains in Round Rock.
This was the kind of win that can turn a road trip around. Powered by Higashioka's incredible night and supported by solid pitching and timely hitting, the Rangers showed what they're capable of when all the pieces click. As they hover just below .500, carrying this offensive momentum forward will be crucial. The team will look to build on this victory and start stringing together wins as the All-Star break approaches.
