Scherzer Shines as Rangers Edge Closer to .500
- Max Scherzer achieved a season-high nine strikeouts during the game against the Chicago White Sox.
- Marcus Semien contributed with a homer and the Texas Rangers secured a narrow 2-1 victory.
- This win emphasizes Scherzer's continuing excellence as he moves up on the career strikeouts list.
In a standout performance just days before his 40th birthday, Max Scherzer led the Texas Rangers to a 216th career win, showcasing exceptional command over his pitches. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised Scherzer's ability to mix his pitches effectively, as the veteran hurler threw 62 of 85 pitches for strikes during the game. Scherzer emphasized his focus on performance rather than personal milestones, which has contributed to his success over 17 seasons in Major League Baseball. The Rangers have been on a roll, winning 12 of their last 16 games and inching closer to a .500 record for the first time since June 2. In contrast, the Chicago White Sox are struggling, having lost 11 consecutive games and 17 of their last 20. The Rangers capitalized on their momentum, with Nathaniel Lowe's leadoff double setting the stage for a crucial run scored by Leody Taveras. David Robertson, the third reliever for Texas, secured his second save of the season, completing a tightly contested series that featured three one-run games. The White Sox, despite scoring first, continued their trend of losing games they lead, marking the 30th instance this season. They have now dropped 39 games after holding a lead at some point during the match. In roster news, the Rangers activated RHP Dane Dunning from the injured list, while the White Sox return home after a challenging road trip, preparing for a three-game series against Seattle.