Rangers beat A's 7-2 on July 22, 2025, as Josh Jung homers in his return. Rookies Cody Freeman & Michael Helman make history in a game-changing inning.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the kind of inning you tell your grandkids about. In a flash, a tense tie game at Globe Life Field turned into a Texas Rangers party, all thanks to a pair of rookies making history on back-to-back pitches. The 7-2 win over the Athletics wasn't just another notch in the belt; it was a glimpse of the future, punctuated by the triumphant return of a beloved star.
That was cool that Cody got his first hit and an RBI right before that, and then that happened. That was pretty special.
The game was deadlocked 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth, and the Arlington crowd was getting anxious. Step up, Cody Freeman. The rookie laced a double for his first-ever MLB hit, driving in a run to break the tie. The cheers were still echoing when Michael Helman stepped to the plate and, on the very next pitch, launched his first career home run—a three-run blast that sent the dugout into a frenzy. Helman, who also added an RBI on a sac bunt later, perfectly captured the magic of the moment.
Before the rookies stole the show, Josh Jung provided the initial spark. In his very first at-bat since coming off the injured list, Jung did what he does best: he crushed a home run. The solo shot was a massive emotional lift for the team and a clear signal to the rest of the league that one of the Rangers' core offensive weapons is back and ready to contribute to the playoff push.
This win pushes the Rangers back over .500 to 51-50, keeping them firmly in third place in the AL West. While they're still 7.5 games behind the Astros, the victory marks their seventh win in the last 10 games. With this kind of energy and key players returning to form, the team is building the momentum needed for a late-season surge. Every win counts, and this one felt bigger than just a single game.
One win, no matter how exciting, is just one win. But with the offense clicking, young players stepping up, and ace Jacob deGrom (9-2, 2.32 ERA) taking the mound tomorrow, the Rangers have a golden opportunity to secure a series win against the A's and keep this positive momentum rolling. The hunt for October is heating up in Arlington.
