deGrom Stumbles as Rangers Drop 9-6 Decision to Angels

This article recaps a wild, high-scoring matchup between the Anaheim Angels and Texas Rangers. Jacob deGrom had a rough night, Wade Meckler broke out, and Anaheim held off a late Rangers surge to pull away.

It highlights who really showed up, how the bullpen drama shaped the ending, and what’s up next for both teams.

Angels unleash nine-run eruption to take series opener against Rangers

In a game that swung early and never fully swung back, Jacob deGrom just couldn’t find his rhythm. He lasted three innings, gave up six runs on six hits, and walked three—matching his season high for walks and, honestly, continuing a worrying home run trend.

The Angels jumped all over him in the first inning. Wade Meckler smashed a three-run homer—his first ever in the majors—and Anaheim stormed out to a 4-0 lead. It was a brutal start for Texas.

The Angels had been struggling to score in May, but they showed up for this series opener. Their bats finally woke up, and the early home run barrage gave them the edge they needed.

Even when Texas tried to claw back, Anaheim wouldn’t let go of the lead. The Rangers made a push, but it just wasn’t enough.

Turning points: early damage, late pressure, and player of the game

Texas answered after the first, fighting back to close the gap to 6-5 in the late innings. But the Angels’ bullpen held on, and Anaheim managed to pad their lead again before things got too tense.

One of the biggest moments came in the fourth. Brandon Nimmo blasted a solo homer, then later ripped a double in the seventh. He even made a wild catch at the right-field wall—really showing off his all-around game.

Nimmo’s night was huge. His seventh-inning double looked like it might tie things up, but Josh Jung couldn’t score from second. It’s funny how every run feels massive in these tight games.

• Jacob deGrom lasted only three innings, charged with six runs on six hits and three walks, continuing a troubling home run trend.
• Wade Meckler delivered a three-run homer in the first, marking the first long ball of his major-league career.
• Brandon Nimmo earned Player of the Game after a fourth-inning solo homer, a seventh-inning double, and a standout right-field wall catch.
• Texas briefly rallied to cut the deficit to 6-5, but couldn’t complete the comeback as Angels bullpen pressure mounted late.

What’s next for the Rangers and Angels?

So, what’s next? The two clubs are set to face off again with a fresh pitching matchup.

Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for Texas. He’ll go up against Walbert Ureña, the Angels’ right-hander, in what could be a pretty interesting duel.

Texas wants to steady their rotation after deGrom’s rough outing. They’ll also try to ride any momentum from that late rally.

Anaheim’s win brings a much-needed spark. Maybe it’ll shift the team’s mood as they push for a stronger finish through May and into the summer.

This nine-run outburst really shows what the Angels can do when their offense wakes up and the bullpen holds things together late. The Rangers, meanwhile, have to dig out of early holes faster and cash in on late opportunities—because in a division this tight, one game can flip the whole story.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 24-26 – deGrom deFeated as Rangers fall 9-6 to Angels