Zebby Matthews delivered an impressive performance, allowing only one run while pitching seven innings for the Minnesota Twins in a commanding 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. This defeat marked the Rangers’ eighth consecutive loss, effectively sealing their fate and eliminating them from playoff contention.
The Rangers (79-78) were in a promising position just two games behind the AL West lead on September 13 and actively competing for a wild-card spot. They had enjoyed an excellent 13-3 run, highlighted by two six-game winning streaks. However, since that time, they have faltered, losing their grip and falling 5.5 games behind Houston for the American League’s final playoff position with only five games left on the schedule.
Joc Pederson got Texas off to a flying start with his ninth home run, but Matthews (5-6) quickly regained control, surrendering only three singles after that point while striking out six batters and issuing no walks. This outing matched the longest of his 25 career starts, showcasing his potential.
Minnesota (68-89) seized the lead in the third inning when Kody Clemens hit a leadoff double, later scoring on a fielder’s choice grounder by Byron Buxton. Buxton then crossed home plate on a clutch single from Ryan Jeffries. Clemens further solidified their advantage with an RBI single in the sixth inning.
In his stint, Texas’s first pitcher, Patrick Corbin (7-11), struggled, giving up two runs on four hits over just 3 2/3 innings as the team’s pitching woes compounded.
Cole Sands closed the game with authority, tossing a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.
Matthews retired 11 of the last 12 batters he faced, with the only Texas player to reach for a third time against the 25-year-old right-hander benefitting from an error.
This eight-game losing streak ties the Rangers’ longest from August 2023, the season they ultimately claimed their first and only World Series title.
Looking ahead, Jacob deGrom (12-8, 3.01 ERA) will take the mound for Texas in his 30th start of the year on Wednesday night, following his challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of the last two seasons. Taj Bradley (6-8, 5.20) will be the starter for Minnesota.
