Back to Sport

Twins Surge Past Rangers Behind Matthews’ Dominant Outing

Zebby Matthews pitched seven scoreless innings as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Texas Rangers 12-2 at Globe Life Field on Wednesday.

Theo Vance

June 17, 20262 min read

MLBFinal
Minnesota Twins12
Texas Rangers2

June 17, 2026

Matthews Anchors Twin Victory

Zebby Matthews delivered a masterful performance on the mound, allowing just two earned runs over seven innings to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 12-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. The win improved Matthews’ record to 3-4, while the Rangers’ starter Kumar Rocker took the loss, dropping his mark to 2-6. The contest took place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with an attendance of 27,463 spectators.

Early Offense Sets Tone

Minnesota established control early, loading the bases in the first inning before capitalizing on a home run by Larnach. The blast traveled 425 feet to right field, giving the Twins a 1-0 lead. The scoring continued shortly after when Bell singled to left field, driving in Buxton to extend the advantage to 2-0.

The Twins’ offense exploded in the third inning, fueled by a three-run home run from Clemens. His shot to right field, measuring 367 feet, plated Larnach and Buxton, pushing the score to 5-0. Minnesota did not stop there, adding two more runs in the fourth inning. Lewis singled to center field, bringing both Buxton and Jackson home to make it 7-0. The rally continued when Bell doubled to right field. A throwing error by right fielder Nimmo allowed Clemens and Lewis to score, extending the lead to 9-0. Keaschall then singled to left, scoring Bell for a 10-0 advantage.

Rangers Attempt Comeback Fall Short

The Rangers managed to get on the board in the fourth inning when Duran grounded into a fielder's choice to shortstop. Langford scored on the play, but Nimmo was thrown out at second base, making the score 10-1. Texas added another run in the fifth inning as Díaz doubled to center field, allowing Osuna to cross the plate for a 10-2 deficit.

Despite the large margin, the Twins’ bullpen maintained the shutout. Travis Adams pitched a perfect inning with three strikeouts, and Cody Laweryson worked a scoreless ninth inning with one walk and one strikeout. The Twins added two more runs in the ninth inning. Jackson doubled to center field, scoring Keaschall, and Fedko hit a sacrifice fly to left field to bring Jackson home, finalizing the 12-2 score.

Pitching and Records

Ranger pitching struggled to contain the Twins' lineup. Rocker gave up six earned runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings. Cal Quantrill followed with 3.1 runs on three hits in 0.2 innings. Tyler Alexander and Joe Ross combined for two scoreless innings, while Kyle Higashioka allowed two earned runs on three hits in one inning.

The victory moved the Twins to a 35-40 record, while the Rangers fell to 35-38.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815783

Share

Theo Vance

Theo Vance writes about Frisco sports, from high school programs to the city's pro and collegiate teams.

Related Stories

Four FC Dallas Products Power USA to World Cup Knockout Stage

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Australia 2-0 on June 19, clinching a Round of 32 berth. Four FC Dallas products — including Little Elm’s Weston McKennie — featured for a USMNT that has won its first two World Cup matches for the first time since 1930.

Theo VanceJune 21, 20263 min read
Sport

Peña, Altuve Lead Astros Past Guardians 9-3

Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve drove in multiple runs as the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Guardians 9-3 at Daikin Park on Saturday.

Theo VanceJune 20, 20262 min read