Rangers defeat Nationals 2-0 in efficient pitching duel

Rangers hold off Nationals in tight contest

The Texas Rangers defeated the Washington Nationals 2-0 at Globe Life Field on Friday, August 21, 2026. The victory improved the Rangers' record to 63-65, while the Nationals fell to 61-68. Attendance at the Arlington venue was 21,179.

DeGrom dominates on the mound

Jacob deGrom earned the win with a dominant outing. The right-hander pitched six innings, allowing just one hit and no earned runs. He recorded 10 strikeouts while issuing one walk. His command was a key factor in limiting the Nationals' offense throughout the first half of the game.

Late-inning runs seal victory

The Rangers took the lead in the third inning. Max Scherzer was not involved in the scoring, but the team capitalized on offensive opportunities. In the third, the score moved to 1-0 in favor of the home side. The margin widened in the eighth inning when a sacrifice fly to center field allowed a runner to score, making it 2-0.

Bullpen secures the save

After deGrom, the Rangers relied on their bullpen to close the game. Jakob Junis pitched one inning, allowing no hits or earned runs while issuing two walks. Chase Silseth followed with one hitless, scoreless inning, striking out two batters. Jacob Latz finished the game with one inning of work, allowing one walk and striking out three. He recorded the save, his 25th of the season.

Nationals pitching struggles

Andrew Alvarez took the loss for the Washington Nationals. He pitched five innings, allowing four hits and one earned run while walking three batters and striking out five. Orlando Ribalta pitched one inning, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Clayton Beeter pitched one inning, allowing one walk and striking out one. Tom Cosgrove pitched the final inning for Washington, allowing one hit and one earned run. The team's inability to generate consistent offense proved decisive in the 2-0 result.

Sources

ESPN