Home Baseball Nathan Eovaldi and Dustin Harris propelled the Texas Rangers to an 8-0 win, capping off a season-ending sweep of the Los Angeles Angels

Nathan Eovaldi and Dustin Harris propelled the Texas Rangers to an 8-0 win, capping off a season-ending sweep of the Los Angeles Angels

Baseball — 10/01/2024

Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven scoreless innings, while Dustin Harris hit a home run and a two-run double in his second MLB game, leading the Texas Rangers to an 8-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Nathaniel Lowe also contributed with a home run, and Josh Smith added two RBIs for the Rangers, who have been out of playoff contention since September 20. This win marked their first three-game series sweep since late August when they played against the Chicago White Sox.

The Rangers concluded the season with a record of 78-84, a decline from last year’s 90-72, which led them to their first World Series title.

“We have work to do,” stated Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, a two-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants. “It’s not enjoyable to watch other teams celebrate. We need to come back ready to go next spring.

We’ll make some adjustments and have a lot to address, not just in one area but in all aspects of the game.”

Angels rookie starter Jack Kochanowicz (2-6) gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings in his 11th career start, having made his debut on July 11. The Angels concluded the season with a franchise record of 63-99, a decline from their 73-89 record last year.

“We’ve already mapped out what needs to be done, and we’ll get to work,” said Angels manager Ron Washington. “It didn’t go as we hoped, finishing with 99 losses.

However, there were plenty of fun moments and growth throughout the season. Some players discovered their potential, while others realized they have a long way to go. I am confident there will be progress as we move forward into 2025.”

Texas struck first in the fourth inning when Nathaniel Lowe hit a leadoff double, followed by a single from Jonah Heim that brought him home.

In the seventh inning, Harris recorded his first career hit with a two-run double, extending the Rangers’ lead to 3-0.

The Angels nearly scored in the seventh, but Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford threw out Matt Thaiss at home while he attempted to score from second base on a single by Michael Stefanic.