SEATTLE — Jacob deGrom gave the Texas Rangers everything they could have asked for — except the win.
DeGrom retired his first 15 batters and struck out 12 over six scoreless innings, but the Mariners rallied late to beat Texas 4-3 on Thursday behind Julio Rodríguez’s go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning.
The Rangers built a 3-0 lead behind a two-run homer from Joc Pederson and an RBI bunt single from Nicky Lopez.
DeGrom was nearly untouchable early, allowing only one hit and one walk. Cole Young finally broke up the perfect-game bid in the sixth when his line drive deflected off deGrom’s glove for an infield single.
Texas’ lead disappeared in the seventh.
Reliever Jakob Junis hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch, then surrendered an RBI single to Dominic Canzone and a single to Cal Raleigh. Rodríguez followed with a first-pitch homer to left field, putting Seattle ahead 4-3.
DeGrom’s 12 strikeouts were his most in a game since 2022, adding another impressive performance to his recent stretch. He left with Texas still holding the lead, but the bullpen couldn’t protect it.
Seattle starter Logan Gilbert also delivered a strong performance, striking out 11 over seven innings while allowing three runs.
The loss dropped Texas to 72-75 and left the Rangers three games behind Houston in the AL West. Seattle took two of three in the series.
The Rangers now head to Arizona for a three-game series beginning Friday.
