Rangers Outlast D-backs 7-6 After Fifth-Inning Meltdown

The Texas Rangers secured a narrow 7-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. A pivotal fifth inning saw the Rangers establish a commanding 5-1 lead, aided by defensive miscues from the Diamondbacks. This included a ground ball that bounced unusually off third baseman Nolan Arenado and a subsequent base hit that allowed two runs to score.

Eduardo Rodriguez, the Diamondbacks' pitcher, struggled early, giving up a two-run homer in the first inning. Although he allowed six runs, only three were earned due to the defensive errors. Rodriguez's record fell to 15-6 with a 2.62 ERA.

Nolan Arenado attempted to rally the Diamondbacks with a three-run homer in the seventh inning and other late-game contributions. However, the team's comeback efforts fell short. Gabriel Moreno also hit a solo homer, but his final at-bat ended the game.

This defeat has diminished the Diamondbacks' playoff prospects, leaving them 2.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final Wild Card spot with only 12 games remaining. Their postseason odds now stand at 31.6% according to Fangraphs.

The Diamondbacks are scheduled to face the Miami Marlins in a three-game series starting Monday. Corbin Burnes is expected to make his second start for Arizona, with pitch count limitations.