Paul Goldschmidt hit a crucial pinch-hit solo home run in the seventh inning, helping the Yankees secure a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday and snapping New York’s five-game losing streak. Goldschmidt’s homer came against left-handed reliever Robert Garcia, who holds a 1-7 record this season.
The Yankees, now with a 61-54 record, avoided being swept by Texas for the first time since 2010. This win also prevented the Rangers from overtaking them for the third and final wild card spot in the American League. Mark Reiter Jr. (5-6) earned the win after maintaining control in the sixth inning, which followed a solid start from his cousin, Rangers rookie Jack Reiter, who pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and walking four.
David Bedner successfully closed the game with his 18th save, pitching 42 pitches over the final 1 2/3 innings. For the Rangers, Ezekiel Duran, batting ninth, had three hits and scored both of Texas’s runs, including one on a single by Sam Hagerty and another on a sacrifice fly by Marcus Semien.
The Yankees improved their standing to 2-1 in the series, with Anthony Volpe contributing an RBI single and another run scored following a catching error by Kyle Higashioka. New York now stands 9-3 against the Rangers this season.
Both teams will rest before starting new series on Friday night: the Yankees face division leaders Houston, while the Rangers host Philadelphia from the National League East.
Fan Take: This win is pivotal as it keeps the Yankees in the playoff hunt and halts the Rangers’ momentum, injecting fresh excitement into the American League wild card race. For baseball fans, close contests like this highlight the suspense and competition that make the sport compelling, showing how every game can influence postseason hopes.
