The Texas Rangers continued their winning streak with a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday evening. Texas second baseman Marcus Semien played a pivotal role in securing the win, hitting a go-ahead double that extended his majors-best hitting streak to 25 consecutive games. Nathaniel Lowe and Adolis García also hit solo homers for the Rangers, who now boast the best start in Washington Senators/Texas franchise history with a record of 40-20. The team has won five consecutive games and has scored an MLB-high 386 runs with a plus-155 run differential.
Dane Dunning won the game for the Rangers in his latest outing in place of injured ace Jacob deGrom, improving his record to 5-1. Even though Dunning allowed three homers over the course of 5 2/3 innings, he left the field with the Rangers up 6-4. The Rangers announced earlier in the day that deGrom will have season-ending elbow surgery next week. Dunning had won his two previous games after deGrom exited early twice due to injury concerns.
In other highlights, the Cardinals took an early lead with Nolan Arenado’s two-run homer in the first inning. Willson Contreras and Jordan Walker later hit solo shots in the sixth inning off Dunning, who had entered the game with an MLB-best 48 innings without giving up a home run this season.
Semien’s performance, which included reaching base 33 games in a row, matched the second-longest hitting streak in Texas Rangers history, a record set by Ian Kinsler in 2008 and Michael Young in 2005. Gabe Kapler holds the team record with 28 games, set in 2000.
The Rangers, who have scored 203 runs in 29 home games, will look to sweep the series on Wednesday with Jon Gray on the mound. The Cardinals will start Jack Flaherty, who has a record of 3-4 with an ERA of 4.55. Dylan Carson, who has been out with an ankle injury since May 14th, began a rehab assignment for Triple-A Memphis. He is expected to DH on Wednesday.
Will Smith was the third Texas reliever, and he worked a perfect ninth inning for his 11th save in 12 chances.
