Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy instructed Leody Taveras to stay prepared despite not starting in the lineup due to his recent struggles.
Taveras came into the game defensively in the seventh inning and later hit a crucial two-run homer in the same inning. This helped the Rangers secure a 5-3 victory over the Mets on Wednesday night, halting New York’s seven-game winning streak.
“It’s a pretty good feeling,” said Taveras, who had been struggling with a .085 batting average over his last 18 games before his homer to right-center field off reliever Drew Smith (1-1).
“When you go through a tough stretch like he did, it’s not easy,” Bochy acknowledged. “Credit to him. He stayed positive, stayed ready, and when we called on him, he delivered with a big home run.”
The reigning World Series champion Rangers ended a five-game losing streak and avoided a sweep after dropping consecutive series. Despite this win, they remain nine games behind the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, who swept them in their previous series.
Pete Alonso hit his 16th home run for the Mets, whose seven-game winning streak was their longest of the season. They had won 11 of their last 13 games before facing the Rangers.
“After the challenges we faced, especially in May, and then to play well, it shows that we have a strong team,” commented Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Mets starter Sean Manaea kept the Rangers hitless until Robbie Grossman lined a sharp single to left field in the sixth inning.
Rangers starter Andrew Heaney struck out nine batters over six innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. José Ureña (3-5) pitched two scoreless innings, and Kirby Yates closed the game with a perfect ninth for his 11th save in as many opportunities.
