Josh Smith scores all 3 runs as the Texas Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on June 14, 2025. Jacob deGrom earns the win in a dominant performance.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Sometimes one player just decides they aren't going to let their team lose. On Saturday night at Globe Life Field, that player was Josh Smith. In a masterful display of leadoff hitting, Smith was directly involved in every single run, powering the Texas Rangers to a much-needed 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Josh Smith extended his hitting streak to five consecutive two-hit games, raising his season average to .284.
It's hard to be more impactful than Josh Smith was tonight. He got the offense started in the first with a single, then came around to score on a Corey Seager sacrifice fly. In the third, he took matters into his own hands, launching his seventh home run of the season 396 feet to give Texas the lead. For an encore, he worked a walk in the fifth and scored the final run on a Marcus Semien RBI double. When the dust settled, the box score was simple: Rangers 3, Josh Smith's runs 3.
While Smith was handling the offense, the Rangers' ace was handling his business on the mound. Jacob deGrom delivered another strong start, keeping the White Sox bats quiet and earning his sixth win of the season. His ERA now sits at a sparkling 2.12, a constant reminder of the elite, top-of-the-rotation presence he provides. In a season of ups and downs, deGrom has been the unwavering anchor, giving the team a chance to win every five days.
This victory pushes the Rangers to 33-36, and it was a textbook example of how this team is built to win. You need your catalyst (Smith) to set the table, your stars (Seager and Semien) to drive in runs, and your ace (deGrom) to shut the door. While Smith's historic streak is rightfully grabbing headlines, the timely hits from the middle of the order were crucial in converting his opportunities into runs on the board. It was a complete, fundamental win that the team can build on.
It was just one win, but it felt significant. With deGrom dealing and the top of the order firing on all cylinders thanks to Smith's incredible run, the Rangers have a formula for success. Now, they need to replicate it. Beating the White Sox again tomorrow would secure a series win and provide some much-needed momentum as they continue to climb back in the standings. All eyes will be on the leadoff spot to see if the streak can continue.
