Jake Burger homers twice as Rangers beat Rays 8-6 to split 4-game series

In a thrilling game at Arlington, Texas, Jake Burger showcased his power at the plate, hitting twice as the Rangers battled back from two four-run deficits to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-6 on Sunday. This victory secured a split in the four-game series between the two teams, handing the Rays (85-58) their first loss of the season despite holding the American League’s best record.

The Rangers, currently at 71-73, gained a crucial split in the Western Division and the final wild card spot, trailing by two games in the AL West race. With the score tied at 5-all in the fifth inning, Elias Díaz led off with a single, driving in Jake Burger. Ezequiel Duran added another hit, advancing Logan O’Hoppe to score the game's first two runs.

The Rays clawed their way back into the game in the seventh inning, but Corey Seager responded with a solo home run in the eighth, reasserting Texas' two-run lead. In the ninth inning, Jakob Junis' perfect pitching sealed the deal, working without error for his sixth save in seven chances.

On the preceding Saturday night, Jacob Latz faced a setback as he took his first loss since April 10 after allowing his first home run since June 25. Trevor Williams, acquired by Texas less than a week ago, made his debut in the starting rotation, pitching two perfect innings and securing his first win since May 2025.

In the first inning of the series opener, the Rays took an early lead, 4-0, as MacKenzie Gore faced 10 batters without a hit. Burger responded with back-to-back homers, leading off the second inning and again in the fourth, both off Ian Seymour, tying the game at 5-5. This was Burger's ninth career multihomer game, tying him for the club lead with 25 homers and leading the team with 82 RBIs.

Both teams will continue their road trips, with the Rays heading to Atlanta for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. Texas will be on the move, aiming to face Seattle in their next contest after the Rays' series.