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Gelof, Butler Power Athletics Past Rangers 5-2

Brenton Butler and Tyler Gelof each drove in two runs with home runs as the Sacramento Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Sunday.

Coralie Oakley

August 17, 20262 min read

Baseball Victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Baseball Victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
MLBFinal
Texas Rangers2
Athletics5

August 16, 2026

Gelof and Butler Lead Offensive Charge

Tyler Gelof and Brenton Butler provided the offensive spark that propelled the Sacramento Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park. Both players contributed two-run home runs, helping the home team secure the win in front of 7,343 fans on Sunday.

The game’s momentum shifted early when Jason Burger opened the scoring for the Rangers with a solo home run to right center in the second inning. However, Butler responded immediately by homering to right field, driving in White and giving Sacramento a 2-1 advantage.

The Athletics extended their lead in the third inning when Burger grounded into a fielder’s choice that allowed Langford to score, tying the game at 2-2.

Pitching Performance Anchors Win

Sacramento starter Jacob Lopez provided stability for the home team, pitching six innings and allowing two earned runs while striking out six batters. He was supported by a reliever corps that kept the Rangers off the board for the final three innings. Luis Medina earned the win with a scoreless inning of work, striking out two hitters.

Elvis Alvarado and Drew Rom each pitched without allowing a run, recording holds in the process.

Hogan Harris closed out the game with his 12th save of the season, retiring the side in order to seal the victory. The Rangers’ pitching staff struggled to contain Sacramento’s offense, with Jakob Junis taking the loss after allowing two earned runs in one inning. Cody Bradford started for Texas but was charged with eight hits and two earned runs over four innings.

Final Inning Secures Victory

The Athletics added insurance runs in the later stages of the game. Gelof homered to right center in the seventh inning, bringing home Bolte and making it a 4-2 lead. White capped the scoring with a solo home run to center field in the eighth inning, pushing the final margin to 5-2.

The Rangers were unable to mount a comeback, finishing with just two runs on the day. The loss drops Texas to 61-64 on the season, while Sacramento improves its record to 49-75.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816561

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Coralie Oakley

Coralie Oakley covers Denton high school and area college sports.

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