Texas Rangers Walk Off Again with Langford’s Grand Slam Game Winner

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have once again showcased their ability to secure thrilling victories this season.

Despite not being in contention for a chance to defend their World Series title, the Rangers have been capturing attention with their late-game heroics. In a nail-biting encounter against the New York Yankees, rookie outfielder Wyatt Langford delivered a dramatic game-ending grand slam, leading Texas to a 7-4 victory on Tuesday night. This win marked the Rangers’ third consecutive triumph in walk-off fashion, with two of those victories coming against top-tier All-Star closers.

Langford made history with his performance, becoming the first rookie in Rangers history to achieve a walk-off grand slam. “It’s really cool to be a part of,” Langford said, reflecting on his remarkable achievement. “It’s hard to explain, actually. We’ve executed some really good at-bats at the end of games against some outstanding pitchers. Sure, I wish we could find ways to score earlier and make things a bit easier on ourselves, but it’s definitely very exciting.”

Prior to their victory against the Yankees, the Rangers had experienced a rollercoaster weekend against the Oakland Athletics. They clinched a tight 3-2 win on Saturday thanks to an RBI single from Leody Taveras in the ninth inning. The following day, Josh Jung stepped up in the tenth inning, hitting a three-run homer off All-Star closer Mason Miller to secure a 6-4 victory.

Langford’s grand slam against Yankees closer Clay Holmes capped a string of impressive performances at home. Since August 5, the Rangers have claimed six walk-off victories in their last seven home games.

“We’re scratching our heads, too,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy admitted. “We’d love to get these rallies going earlier in the game. It would certainly make things easier for everyone involved. But that’s why you play all nine innings—you keep fighting.”

As of now, the Rangers sit third in the AL West, trailing the division-leading Houston Astros by 9.5 games. With only 23 games left in the regular season, the Rangers find themselves 8.5 games behind for the third American League wild card spot, with five teams standing between them and that coveted playoff position.

Notably, the Rangers’ nine walk-off wins this season are tied for the highest in Major League Baseball, with seven of those occurring since the All-Star break.

On Tuesday, Carson Kelly—acquired during the trade deadline—started the ninth inning against the Yankees with a single. Consecutive walks by Josh Smith and Marcus Semien put the pressure on as Holmes struggled with his command, throwing just 12 of his 25 pitches for strikes. Langford capitalized on the situation, driving a full-count slider 407 feet to left field for his tenth home run of the season.

“It just shows that we have a lot of fight going into each game,” Kelly remarked. “No matter the score or situation, every player is in it. It’s been an exhilarating experience these past couple of weeks.”

This season, Langford has recorded three walk-off hits, becoming the first Rangers player to do so since Josh Hamilton in 2011. One of his standout moments occurred on August 21, when he delivered a two-out RBI single in the ninth inning that clinched a narrow 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, ending their previous homestand on a high note.

“I saw a player with great poise. He’s experienced and has come through in clutch situations before,” Bochy noted following the latest walk-off victory, marking his 2,159th as a manager, placing him eighth on the all-time list. “We had the right guy up there. Wyatt has a unique ability to deliver when it matters most. He’s already gotten some crucial hits early in his career, and this is part of his growth. You can tell he relishes these moments.”