Rangers climb back but can't hold on vs. Sox

Three big home runs weren’t enough for the Rangers to overcome the White Sox high-powered offense Friday night as Texas fell, 9-7, at Guaranteed Rate Field. Chicago out-hit the Rangers 16 to 10 and even committed two defensive errors, as Texas fell just short.

Nick Solak grew up a White Sox fan. In Friday night’s loss, Solak, a Woodridge, Ill., native, was a vital part of the Rangers' comeback attempt, energizing the offense after an early deficit.

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The Rangers fell behind 5-0 in the third inning and battled back with two homers from young Rangers hitters -- the two-run shot from Solak in the fourth and three-run blast from Adolis García in the fifth -- to put Texas within striking distance for most of the game. The Rangers tied the game in the top of the sixth inning, but were unable to take a lead over Chicago.

That was Solak’s first home run this season with a runner on base. After a slow start to the season, Solak has now hit four home runs in the last eight games. His two-run homer was his fifth in just 20 games this season, matching his career high set in 2019.

“He's clicking,” manager Chris Woodward said. “I think his timing is better. When Nick is going, man, it's pretty special to watch because he just hits rockets all over the field. His at-bat quality is just really good. He seems to be on time on every pitch. He's able to check off some really tough pitches. He's been walking as well. When he's making contact, it's coming off the bat pretty hot. He's in a good spot right now.”

García hit another solo homer in the top of the ninth inning, but the Rangers couldn’t pull through for the win. He now sits in the sole lead for MLB rookie home runs, and is tied for the Rangers’ team lead with Solak and Nate Lowe.

“It's always great to hit two home runs, that doesn’t happen very often,” Garcia said. “But to be able to do that, I was pretty content with doing that. Except that it's not good when the team loses, so it would have been a lot better if the team would have won.

“I’m just enjoying the moment and living the dream. I want to be able to do this for the entire season. It just gives me that hunger. I’m looking forward to trying to get better and help the team win.”

García’s two home runs were his first of the season that were not go-ahead shots for the Rangers. García has been the team MVP since his callup from the alternate training site, hitting go-ahead homers on April 15 vs. the Rays and Tuesday and Wednesday vs. the Angels. This is the first time the Rangers have lost a game in which García has hit a home run this season.

Woodward said he continues to thrive in tough situations for the club and the coaching staff loves that about him.

“It seems to be his MO, I think,” Woodward explained. “He's not shy in those situations. I think that's what kind of stands out, and he doesn't mind being that guy. He seems pretty comfortable, He’s had some hits for us and in big spots, so it's good to see. You never know with certain players who's going to love those moments and thrive, but he seems to be the guy.”