Josh Jung's walk-off HR caps a stunning 8-5 comeback for the Rangers over the Yankees on Aug 5. Joc Pederson's 9th-inning blast forced extras. Read how!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the magic might run out, the Texas Rangers ripped a page out of a Hollywood script. Down to their final outs against the rival New York Yankees, a struggling veteran and a rising star delivered back-to-back haymakers, culminating in a spectacular 8-5 walk-off win in 10 innings. Josh Jung's three-run blast sent Globe Life Field into a frenzy, securing a seventh straight home victory and pulling the Rangers to the brink of a playoff spot.
You gotta go out every game determined to win the ballgame. And putting the losses behind you, that's gotta be important.
The bottom of the ninth looked grim. The Rangers were trailing 5-4, facing dominant Yankees closer Devin Williams. Then, Bruce Bochy made the call to the dugout for Joc Pederson. In a moment of pure redemption, Pederson, who just returned from a fractured wrist and hadn't homered since May, launched a game-tying solo shot into the seats. It was a stunning display of clutch hitting from a player who desperately needed it, instantly erasing the deficit and breathing new life into the ballpark.
After trade-deadline acquisition Danny Coulombe pitched a clean top of the tenth to earn his first win as a Ranger, the stage was set. In the bottom of the frame, with two runners on, Josh Jung stepped to the plate and ended the game with one swing. He crushed a pitch from Jake Bird for a three-run, walk-off homer, his 11th of the year. The dugout emptied, the crowd roared, and the Rangers celebrated a win that felt like more than just a single victory.
This wasn't just an exciting comeback; it was a monumental swing in the standings. The win shrinks the Yankees' lead for the final American League Wild Card spot to a mere 1.5 games. With the victory, Texas improved to 59-55, firmly in the hunt and proving they can go toe-to-toe with the teams they need to beat. The win extends their home winning streak to seven, turning Globe Life Field into a true fortress down the stretch.
The electricity from Monday's win has to carry over. Tonight, the Rangers send their ace, Nathan Eovaldi (9-3, 1.49 ERA), to the mound against the Yankees' Will Warren. This isn't just another game in August; it's a direct shot at a playoff spot. After a win like that, the momentum is tangible. Now it's time to capitalize on it and keep the pressure on.
