Latz escapes bases-loaded eighth as Rangers hold off Red Sox 4-2

Jacob Latz inherited Boston’s best chance to tie the game and left the bases full. With Texas protecting a two-run lead in the eighth inning Tuesday, the closer struck out pinch-hitter Andruw Monasterio, then returned for the ninth to finish a 4-2 Rangers win over the Red Sox.

Jacob deGrom struck out eight in five innings, and Texas scored all four runs in the second. But the Rangers still needed four relievers and an escape with the tying runs in scoring position to make that early lead hold at Globe Life Field.

The eighth began with Jahmai Jones reaching on an infield single against Robert Garcia. After Adley Rutschman flied out, Willson Contreras walked. Latz entered and got Wilyer Abreu to ground out, moving both runners into scoring position. Texas intentionally walked Trevor Story, loading the bases for Monasterio, who struck out swinging on the eighth pitch of his at-bat.

Latz allowed a two-out single to Roman Anthony in the ninth but struck out Jones to end the game. He finished with three strikeouts in 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Texas pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts; Boston managed six hits.

Patrick Sandoval had opened the game by striking out four consecutive Rangers. The second inning undid that start. Elias Díaz doubled home Brandon Nimmo and Ezequiel Duran with two outs, then Sandoval walked Danny Jansen and Justin Foscue. Corey Seager followed with a two-run single to left, sending Texas ahead 4-0.

Boston answered immediately. Caleb Durbin singled to begin the third, and Nick Sogard drove a two-run homer to right. It was the Red Sox’s only scoring play, but it kept the game within reach after Sandoval’s short outing.

Sandoval gave up four hits, four runs and two walks in 2 2/3 innings. Brayan Bello, Alec Gamboa, Wyatt Olds and Jovani Moran then combined for 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits. Their work gave Boston repeated opportunities to come back.

The Red Sox also loaded the bases in the fifth without a hit, reaching through a hit batter, catcher’s interference and a walk. DeGrom ended that threat on Rutschman’s groundout. He left after 92 pitches, with three hits and two runs charged to him.

Chase Silseth struck out three in the sixth, and Tyler Alexander added a scoreless seventh before the Garcia-Latz handoff. Seager and Ezequiel Duran each finished with two hits for Texas; Seager and Díaz split the four RBIs.

Texas improved to 75-76, while Boston fell to 82-69. The series continues Wednesday in Arlington.