Semien hits tiebreaking HR against old team and Baty adds pinch-hit slam as Mets beat Rangers 7-2

Arlington, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien, who had previously played for the Texas Rangers, hit a game-winning home run in the eighth inning during the Mets' 7-2 victory over the Rangers on Wednesday night. Brett Baty added to the Mets' offensive display with a pinch-hit grand slam in the ninth inning.

Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean, who had a 12-10 record for the last-place Mets, allowed two runs and three hits in seven innings. The Mets have won both of their games in Texas since ex-interim manager Andy Green took over the full-time managerial position on Tuesday. The Rangers, who have lost three straight games, trail first-place Houston by half a game in the AL West and would clinch the tiebreaker if they finished with the same record as Texas.

Semien, traded to the Mets last November for Brandon Nimmo, had hit his 15th homer of the season off All-Star closer Jacob Latz (3-4), giving New York a 3-2 lead. Semien's first homer since August 7 broke his 0-for-13 slump. Latz entered with two runners on base and one out in the seventh inning, becoming the first closer to appear in an inning prior to the eighth since April 12.

The Mets extended their lead to 2-0 in the third inning when Juan Soto hit his 27th home run of the season off starter Cody Bradford. Soto went on to have a remarkable night, being intentionally walked three times, including twice with runners on first and second with a left-handed pitcher on the mound. Despite Texas tying the score in the fifth inning, Semien's homer and Baty's pinch-hit grand slam secured the Mets' win.

Rookie LHP Zac Thornton will start the final game of the series on Thursday as the Mets aim for a three-game sweep.