Tyler Mahle’s Strong Return Can’t Prevent Rangers’ 12th-Inning Loss

The Texas Rangers dropped another tough one Friday night, losing 6-4 in 12 innings to the Miami Marlins. Tyler Mahle made his return to the mound, which felt like a small win in itself.

Mahle hadn’t pitched since June 10, but he delivered 4 2/3 scoreless innings in a tight contest. Even so, the Rangers just couldn’t string together enough offense—something that’s become all too familiar this season.

Late bullpen stumbles didn’t help, either. The losing streak is now five games, and Texas is barely clinging to postseason hopes.

Tyler Mahle’s Return Highlights Rangers’ Pitching Depth

Tyler Mahle looked sharp in his long-awaited return. He kept the Marlins off the board and flashed the command the Rangers have sorely missed.

Those 4 2/3 innings set a solid tone early. You could see why the club wanted him back so badly for this stretch.

Season-High Pitcher Usage in Extra-Inning Battle

Texas burned through nine pitchers, their highest total in a game this season. Even starters Jacob Latz and Patrick Corbin got called in, showing just how far the staff stretched trying to pull out a win.

Mahle’s start was promising, but the bullpen couldn’t quite hold Miami off late. Extra innings proved costly, with decisive runs slipping away.

Offensive Struggles Continue to Plague Texas

The pitching kept things close, but the Rangers’ bats fell flat again. Texas finished with just four hits, matching some of their worst offensive nights this year.

It’s the 28th time they’ve been held to four or fewer hits—no other MLB team has more. That’s a stat you’d rather not lead in.

Rowdy Tellez Delivers in the Clutch

Rowdy Tellez gave fans a brief jolt, launching a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the 10th to tie things up. For a moment, it looked like the game could swing their way.

But the Rangers couldn’t push across the winning run. The opportunity slipped through their fingers.

Extra Innings Continue to Haunt the Rangers

This was the Rangers’ 16th extra-inning game in 2024, and it ended like so many others—with disappointment. Adolis García grounded out to end the 12th, and that was that.

Manager Bruce Bochy thanked his pitchers for grinding, but you could hear the frustration about missed chances at the plate. These tight moments just keep slipping away.

Frustration Boiling Over in the Clubhouse

Even the steady guys are feeling the pressure. Josh Smith slammed his helmet after another hitless night, showing how much this slump is getting to everyone.

With each loss, the tension grows. The playoff odds are fading, and the mood in the clubhouse is heavy.

Postseason Hopes Fading Fast

Texas faces an almost impossible path to October. Only eight games remain, and they’d need to win them all—plus hope for a bunch of rivals to stumble.

Bochy’s Message: Keep Battling

Even with the odds long, Bochy says his team will keep fighting. “We’ll keep playing hard and see where it takes us,” he said, sounding a little stubborn but genuine.

There’s still pride in that clubhouse, even if the math isn’t on their side anymore.

Key Takeaways from the Loss

This latest defeat really shines a light on the problems Texas has wrestled with all year.

• Pitching depth is starting to look better now that Mahle’s back, but the bullpen still can’t seem to find its footing.
• Offensive production continues to be the club’s biggest headache, especially when it comes to getting hits with runners in scoring position.
• Extra-inning execution just isn’t clicking. That’s cost them some big games in the standings.
• Urgency couldn’t be higher. With a little over a week left, it’s now or never to save the season.

The Rangers have eight games left. There’s no room for mistakes anymore.

If they want a shot at the postseason, they need a serious turnaround—and maybe a little luck from other teams. For now, fans can only hope Mahle’s return sparks something before the clock runs out.

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Here is the source article for this story: Mahle solid in return from IL, but Rangers fall in 12th