Joc Pederson set the tone early and never let Seattle settle in.
Pederson launched a leadoff homer for the sixth time this season, then came back in the second inning and crushed another one as the Texas Rangers rolled past the Mariners 7-3 on Monday afternoon at Globe Life Field.
Texas took three of four from Seattle to widen its lead in the American League West to 2.5 games. The Mariners, now 52-55, have slipped behind the Houston Astros for second place in the division.
Kumar Rocker did his part by keeping Seattle off balance for 6.2 innings, allowing four hits while striking out seven. Jacob Latz finished it off in the ninth with two strikeouts. On the other side, George Kirby had a rough afternoon, lasting four innings and giving up seven hits, all seven earned runs, and four homers.
“I think it just keeps the vibes going, just keeps the momentum going inside the locker room and that’s kind of how we play,” Rocker said after the game.
The victory also gave Rangers manager Skip Schumaker his 200th career managerial win.
Texas has been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last two months, owning the second-best record in the American League since May 29 at 29-21.
The series win was a notable one for the Rangers, too: it was their first season series victory over Seattle since 2023 and only their second in the last seven years.
Seattle’s offense never found much rhythm, finishing 7-for-31 with nine strikeouts. Randy Arozarena accounted for the Mariners’ lone homer, going 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run.
But the game belonged to Texas from the start, with Pederson’s two blasts setting the pace. His second homer came with a 49-degree launch angle, the highest of any home run ever hit at Globe Life Field.
“Joc moving into the leadoff spot, he’s been as good as anybody in the league in the leadoff spot. I mean the power combination with on base, it’s been incredibly impressive He’s on fire,” Schumaker said.
Texas added more damage in the third when Jake Burger and Ezequiel Duran each homered, and the Rangers’ defense kept Seattle from mounting anything serious after that, allowing only one more run after the third inning.
Monday’s game was the Rangers’ first on a Monday since May 2025.
Schumaker also said Corey Seager could begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday.
The Rangers, now 54-52, will head to St. Petersburg, Florida, next for a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who lead the American League East at 62-43. It will be the first meeting between the clubs this season.
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