The Texas Rangers defeated the Athletics 8-1, showcasing their improved offensive strategy, highlighted by Jake Burger's performance. This win reflects a significant shift from previous seasons, emphasizing a more patient approach at the plate.
Texas Rangers' Jake Burger (21) is congratulated by Josh Jung, front left, after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Monday, April 13, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (Scott Marshall/AP)
Texas Rangers' Jake Burger (21) is congratulated by Josh Jung, front left, after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Monday, April 13, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (Scott Marshall/AP)
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. â There was a moment Monday, in this early-season battle of surprising co-leaders in the AL West, that encapsulated the difference between the last two Rangers seasons and what 2026 might be.
It did not involve Nathan Eovaldi, though he pitched seven shutout innings. Been there, seen that. It did involve Jake Burger, though it wasnât either of his two homers that built the Rangersâ early lead in an 8-1 win over the donât-say-Sacramento Athletics.
It was this: Burger took a pitch.
Stop the presses. But, please, allow us to explain. It came in the fifth, on the first pitch he saw after launching homers to left and to right field in his first two at-bats. If there was ever an urge for an attack-mode hitter like Burger to strike, this was it. But, the first two outs had come on three total pitches. There was the possibility for a short inning, which wouldnât have even given Eovaldi time to catch his breath or script out his next inning as he likes to do.
The Rangers had talked about the effect of short innings on their own starting pitcher during the just-completed Dodgers series. The importance of occasional team-centric at-bats, a topic all spring, had been reemphasized. So, Burger took a cutter for a strike, then fought through an eight-pitch at-bat before an inning-ending ground out to third. It seems like such a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the difference in approach.
This Rangers team identifies issues early and presents solutions. More importantly: Players are listening.
âI think theyâre slowing the game down,â manager Skip Schumaker said. âTheyâre understanding what it takes to make this thing go and have team wins. So, for a guy to have two home runs already, and then to do that just shows you the maturity of the player. Jakeâs always been a team guy. Thatâs who he is. Iâm sure trying to get three home runs, itâs on his mind after getting the second one, but for him to do that and have that quality team at-bat right there for Eovaldi, I mean, that goes a long way in the clubhouse.â
Said Burger: âI think we do a really good job after that conversation of grinding some at-bats, taking our time. You know, letâs see where we can get to. It doesnât mean itâs going to happen all the time.â
But hereâs the thing: In Mondayâs win, which ran the Rangers to 4-0 in the AL West this season, it did seem to pay later dividends, too. Eovaldi worked three more innings and could have gone longer ⊠had the Rangers not scored four runs in a long eighth inning full of more quality at-bats from the bottom half of the order.
It put the game away and allowed the Rangers to bank some innings in reserve for Eovaldi, which is good since they may need him to go seven again this weekend in Seattle. It allowed the Rangers to bypass the high-leverage guys in the bullpen and give Luis Curvelo some more work. That is how you build successful road trips. And it continues to build momentum towards the Rangers believing their offense doesnât shut its engines down early.
It is a trait that was nearly non-existent in this team a year ago. The Rangers scored 176 runs after the seventh inning last year, 28th in the majors. Through 10 percent of the season, the Rangers are on pace to increase that by more than 25%, which makes a huge difference in close games. To that point, the Rangers were 34-44 in one- or two-run games last year. You get the picture. Had they been able to win a few more close games and last season might not have been such a bust.
âI think the message from our hitting guys on down since spring training has been that this is a nine-inning game,â Schumaker said. âWe want to be in the fight for nine innings. And we want to be able to punch back. We have the lineup to do it. The energy in the dugout, the pulse of the dugout, has always been like: âWeâre not done yet.â
âI know itâs only 16 games in, but, yeah, if we can keep that up, I love that mentality of all nine innings. Weâre going to be in the fight.â
Sometimes that means bashing homers. Sometimes it means taking pitches. What it always means, though, is that every at-bat has purpose.
Q&A
What was the score of the Texas Rangers vs. Athletics game on April 13, 2026?
The Texas Rangers won the game against the Athletics with a score of 8-1.
Who hit a three-run home run for the Texas Rangers in the game against the Athletics?
Jake Burger hit a three-run home run during the game against the Athletics.
How did the Texas Rangers' offensive approach change in the 2026 season?
The Rangers have adopted a more patient offensive strategy, which has contributed to their success this season.
What role did Nathan Eovaldi play in the Rangers' victory over the Athletics?
Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven shutout innings, contributing significantly to the Rangers' 8-1 victory.
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