Jacob deGrom reached 2,000 career strikeouts and combined with three relievers on a one-hitter as the Texas Rangers shut out the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Thursday night.
The Texas Rangers defeated the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Thursday night at Globe Life Field, behind a historic pitching performance from Jacob deGrom. deGrom struck out 10 over six innings of one-hit ball, surpassing 2,000 career strikeouts in the second-fewest games and innings in MLB history. The Rangers’ bullpen preserved the shutout, as Texas improved to 63-65 and Washington fell to 61-68.
deGrom’s Historic Night
Jacob deGrom was the story of the game, as he allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out 10 in six dominant innings. The veteran right-hander reached the 2,000-strikeout milestone in his 1,660⅓ career innings, trailing only Hall of Famer Randy Johnson in games and innings to reach the mark. deGrom’s performance lowered his ERA and gave the Rangers exactly what they needed in a tight AL wild-card race.
The Rangers’ bullpen, consisting of three relievers, completed the one-hitter, with the final three innings going scoreless. The combined effort marked the second time in as many nights that Texas’ pitching staff has held Washington in check, following a 6-0 loss on Wednesday where the Nationals’ Cade Cavalli threw six scoreless innings.
Nationals’ Offense Stalls
Washington’s offense had no answer for deGrom and the Texas bullpen, managing just one hit on the night. The Nationals, who entered the game with a 61-67 record, were coming off a 6-0 win in the series opener but were unable to replicate that success. The loss drops Washington to 61-68, fourth in the NL East.
The Nationals were also dealing with injuries, as shortstop CJ Abrams was day-to-day after spraining his left ankle on a slide during Wednesday’s game. Abrams’ status for the upcoming series against Miami remains uncertain. Washington also has several players on the injured list, including James Wood, Drew Millas, Josiah Gray, and Robert Garcia.
Turning Point
The game’s decisive moment came in the early innings when deGrom established his dominance. After the Rangers took an early lead, deGrom retired the side in order in the second, striking out two, and never allowed a runner past first base. The Nationals’ lone hit came in the fourth inning, but deGrom induced a double play to end the threat. From there, the Rangers’ bullpen closed the door, securing the win.
What It Means
For the Rangers, the win is crucial as they chase a wild-card spot in the American League. They now sit 63-65, second in the AL West, and will host the Los Angeles Angels next. Texas’ pitching depth will be tested, as they are without Nathan Eovaldi, Josh Jung, Kyle Higashioka, and Jack Leiter due to injuries.
For the Nationals, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain ground in the NL East. They trail the third-place Miami Marlins, whom they face in a three-game series starting Friday. With Abrams’ status uncertain and Cavalli’s momentum from Wednesday, Washington will look to bounce back in a direct head-to-head battle for positioning.
- Jacob deGrom: 6 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 10 K, reached 2,000 career strikeouts.
- Rangers’ bullpen: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, completed the one-hitter.
- Nationals’ offense: managed just one hit against deGrom and three relievers.
- CJ Abrams: day-to-day with a sprained left ankle, availability for Marlins series in question.
- Next: Nationals at Marlins, Rangers vs. Angels.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers will look to build on deGrom’s gem when they face the Angels on Friday night. The Nationals, meanwhile, travel to Miami for a pivotal three-game set with the Marlins, where every game matters in the division race.
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