Cleveland left fielder Cooper Ingle threw the ball into the stands, incorrectly thinking it was the third out of the seventh inning, to bring home Ezequiel Duran as the go-ahead run as the visiting Texas Rangers beat the Guardians 4-2 on Tuesday night.
Joc Pederson had a two-run homer in the third and Josh Jung tacked on a solo shot in the eighth for American League West-leading Texas, which extended its winning streak to a season-high six games.
Jacob deGrom (7-5) earned his fourth victory in his last five decisions, striking out nine over seven innings. The right-hander allowed a two-run homer to Kyle Manzardo and three other hits without a walk.
Jacob Latz pitched a clean ninth for his second save in as many days, giving him 18 on the season in 20 opportunities. He has retired all nine batters he has faced in the series.
Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (2-9) also worked seven strong innings, but received the loss when Ingle committed what was scored as a two-base error and unearned run.
A recently converted catcher who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on June 26, Ingle was in the outfield for the second time in the majors.
Duran led off the seventh with a single against Bibee and moved to second on a groundout by Evan Carter. Alejandro Osuna followed with a routine fly to Ingle, who caught it and promptly threw it over the screen into the crowd down the left-field line.
Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first for the hosts, scoring rookie Chase DeLauter.
Texas tied the game on a shot in the third by Pederson that brought home Nicky Lopez. Jung’s solo homer came against Shawn Armstrong.
Bibee gave up three total runs on five hits, striking out two with no walks.
Texas shortstop Corey Seager was removed from the game before his first at-bat with back discomfort, forcing rookie Cameron Cauley to pinch hit in the first inning.
–Field Level Media
