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Jacob deGrom Aces Final Test, Texas Rangers homer beats Los Angeles Ange four times

Jacob deGrom Aces Final Test, Texas Rangers homer beats Los Angeles Ange four times

ANAHEIM – Jacob deGrom got what he needed and so did the Texas Rangers.

deGrom started his third and final game of 2024 on Friday, overcoming a mental hurdle for the two-time Cy Young winner who underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023. Even though the Rangers were no longer in contention, deGrom wanted to put his recovery mentality behind him before the offseason.

He was retired after leading the Los Angeles Angels to one run on four hits and striking out five in four innings for the Rangers; 5:2 win. Although he only threw 53 pitches, he was pleased with his progress, as were the Rangers.

There’s no point in overextending his recovering ace with two games left in the season.

“I felt like that was the best thing [start of the three]deGrom said. “There is no reason to push it. Let’s end it here and go into the offseason and treat it like a normal offseason.

The Rangers hit four home runs and Marcus Semien and Carson Kelly each had three hits. Kelly missed three times to reach the cycle. Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia hit home runs during a three-run first inning. Kelly scored in the fourth and Semien scored in the ninth.

Texas Rangers reliever David Robertson has a franchise-record 34 holds in 2024.

September 27, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Festa (63) throws in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Texas has a record of 43-5 in games in which David Robertson and Kirby Yates served as pitchers. The Rangers won their 15th straight game when both appeared, with the duo pitching scoreless in the eighth and ninth innings on Friday. The club has won 23 of the last 24 games in which both appeared. The only loss in this stretch came in extra innings at Boston on August 12th. Robertson earned his club record 34th save and Yates earned his 32nd save. It’s the first time the Rangers have had a reliever with 30 holds and 30 saves in the same season.

Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien celebrates a home run in the ninth inning, his 23rd of the season.

September 27, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) is greeted after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Marcus Semien recorded his 1,500th in Oakland on Wednesday. goal, becoming one of 25 active players to reach this milestone. On Friday, Semien competed in his 1,500th in Anaheim. game, ranking 22nd among active players.

Texas Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney will make his final appearance of 2024 against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday at 8:38 p.m.

September 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (44) throws in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney (5-14, 3.98) will face Angels right-hander Griffin Canning (6-13, 5.24) in Game 2 on Saturday at 8:38 p.m.

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex.

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