Tyler Mahle was dominant over six scoreless innings, striking out nine and allowing just three hits to lead the Texas Rangers to a 4-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Mahle (3-0), continuing his strong return from Tommy John surgery in 2023, improved his ERA to a stellar 0.92 through four starts this season. He walked two and exited after 93 pitches, with four Texas relievers preserving the team’s third shutout of the year.
Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi (0-3) matched Mahle for most of the game, striking out six and yielding just three hits and two walks over six innings, but took the loss.
Texas broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth after Leody Taveras laid down a bunt single to start the inning. He stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Travis d’Arnaud, then scored on Marcus Semien’s deep sacrifice fly to left field.
The Rangers added insurance runs late. Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka hit back-to-back doubles in the seventh to push the lead to 2-0, and Josh Jung followed with an RBI single in the eighth.
Key Moment
The Angels had their best scoring opportunity in the fourth, placing runners at the corners with one out. Mahle escaped by striking out d’Arnaud and Nolan Schanuel to preserve the shutout.
Key Stat
The Rangers improved to 7-1 at Globe Life Field after returning from a tough 1-5 road swing.
Up Next
The series continues Wednesday with Angels right-hander José Soriano squaring off against Rangers lefty Patrick Corbin, making his second start since signing in March.