Josh Jung's 10th-inning walk-off homer lifts the Texas Rangers over the New York Yankees 8-5 on Aug. 5, 2025, after Joc Pederson's clutch game-tying shot.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some decisions haunt you. For the New York Yankees, intentionally walking rookie sensation Wyatt Langford to get to Josh Jung will be one of them. With two outs in the bottom of the 10th, Jung unleashed a towering 401-foot, three-run homer, sending Globe Life Field into a frenzy and sealing a dramatic 8-5 walk-off victory for the Texas Rangers. It was a storybook ending to a back-and-forth battle, extending the team's home winning streak to a sizzling seven games.
It was huge. For me personally, for the team, just to be able to come through in that spot, it feels really good.
Before Jung played hero, another Ranger had to set the stage. Enter Joc Pederson. Making his presence felt in just his eighth game back from a two-month IL stint for a right hand fracture, Pederson stepped up as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning and blasted a 408-foot solo shot to tie the game at 5-5. It was his first homer since May 17, and the raw emotion was palpable. For a player who had been struggling at the plate, the clutch hit was a massive confidence boost and a reminder of the veteran pop he brings to the lineup.
The 10th inning was a chess match. With runners on and two outs, the Yankees made a strategic choice: put the hot-hitting rookie Wyatt Langford on first base for free. They chose to face Josh Jung, betting they could get the final out. That bet blew up in spectacular fashion. Jung took the 1-0 pitch from Jake Bird and sent it soaring into the night for his 11th home run of the season, a no-doubter that capped one of the most exciting wins of the year. It was a powerful statement from Jung and a brutal lesson for the opposition: you can't pitch around everyone in this Rangers lineup.
The victory was a total team effort. Newly acquired reliever Danny Coulombe, picked up from the Twins at the deadline, was masterful in the top of the 10th, shutting down the Yankees to earn his very first win in a Rangers uniform. His clean inning was crucial, keeping the score tied and making the walk-off possible. The win also underscores how dominant the Rangers have been at Globe Life Field, improving their home record to 35-20 during this seven-game streak. They are feeding off the home crowd and playing with incredible confidence.
With this thrilling victory, the Rangers move to 59-55, keeping the pressure on in a tight AL West race. This win wasn't just another number in the column; it was a statement. Fueled by clutch hitting from both veterans and young stars, and bolstered by smart deadline acquisitions, this team has a fire that's burning bright. Now, they'll look to carry this electric momentum into the rest of the series against the Yankees, proving that the magic at Globe Life Field is just getting started.
