Texas rookie Wyatt Langford delivered a game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning, capping off a comeback as the Rangers defeated the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Monday night.
Earlier, Leody Taveras, who had hit a home run earlier in the game, started the 10th inning with a sacrifice bunt that advanced pinch-runner Travis Jankowski to third base. Marcus Semien, who also homered, struck out, and Steven Wilson intentionally walked Corey Seager and Josh Smith to load the bases. Langford stepped up and hit a 2-2 pitch that bounced off the left-field wall.
“I’m grateful to have been in that position,” Langford said. “Taking that timeout before stepping into the box after those intentional walks, I don’t see it as an insult. I appreciate it.”
The White Sox (27-75), who have now lost eight consecutive games, had taken the lead in the ninth inning on Paul DeJong’s solo home run, but their bullpen couldn’t hold it, marking their MLB-leading 25th blown save of the season. They are only the 12th team in MLB history to have 75 losses in their first 102 games.
“It was a tough blow,” said White Sox manager Pedro Grifol. “I thought our guys battled hard all day. We had a productive day’s work. We had some productive meetings addressing some things we needed to address.”
Langford had a one-out double in the ninth inning against John Brebbia, stole third base, and scored the tying run on Jonah Heim’s single up the middle.
“I’ve had some struggles this year, so coming through for the team is meaningful to me,” Heim said. “It didn’t have to be a home run, just a single to keep the momentum going, and we ended up winning the game.”
DeJong’s home run came against All-Star closer Kirby Yates, who had previously converted all 17 of his save opportunities. Yates struck out two batters after entering the game with the score tied.
Jonathan Hernández (3-0) pitched the 10th inning for the Rangers, striking out the final two batters in a game where Texas pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts.
The White Sox matched their season high with 10 strikeouts in the game, the 38th time they’ve struck out at least 10 times in a game this season.
