Kumar Rocker pitched five solid innings on Thursday afternoon for the Texas Rangers, who salvaged the finale of a three-game series and boosted their playoff hopes with a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets in Arlington, Texas.
Josh Jung hit the go-ahead, two-run homer in the first and Corey Seager went deep in the fourth for the Rangers (79-80), who opened the day tied with the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West. The Astros were scheduled to open a season-ending, four-game series against the Athletics later Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif.
Houston won the season series over the Rangers 9-4, meaning Texas must take the division outright.
Jung finished 3-for-3 and raised his season average to .299.
Carson Benge had an RBI double in the first inning for the Mets (73-86), who entered Thursday two games behind the Washington Nationals to sit in last place in the National League East. The teams are scheduled to play in the final series of the season this weekend in Washington.
New York hasn’t finished in last place since 2003.
Rocker (6-11) allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out four in his first start against the Mets, who drafted but did not sign him in 2021 due to concerns over his arm.
Robert Garcia, Tyler Alexander and Chase Silseth combined for three innings of one-hit ball before Jordan Montgomery recorded his first save of the season and the second of his nine-year career with a perfect ninth.
Montgomery recorded his first save on Sept, 11, 2024, when he tossed the final three innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their 14-4 win over the Rangers.
Zac Thornton (5-6) took the hard-luck loss for the Mets after allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings. The left-hander finished his rookie season with a 3.42 ERA in 15 starts.
Four players had a hit apiece for the Mets — including Brett Baty, whose single in the seventh inning extended his on-base streak to 17 straight games.
