PITTSBURGH — Jacob deGrom continues to turn back the clock and anchor the Texas Rangers’ rotation, striking out seven over six quality innings in a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park.

Fresh off celebrating his 37th birthday, the two-time Cy Young Award winner delivered yet another vintage outing. DeGrom (7-2) retired the first 11 batters he faced and allowed just two runs on five hits with one walk over six innings. The start marked his 12th consecutive appearance allowing two runs or fewer and five hits or fewer, extending a franchise record.

“It’s been a long road,” deGrom said postgame. “To be back out here consistently helping this team win — that’s what it’s all about.”

The Rangers’ offense backed their ace early and often, headlined by Corey Seager, who launched his first home run since May 10 — a solo shot to right in the fifth that pushed Texas’ lead to 4-2. Seager had missed over two weeks with a strained hamstring and ended an 81-plate appearance homer drought.

Adolis García added another spark, going 3-for-4 with a double, his ninth home run, and two RBI. He also flashed the leather with a pair of diving catches in right field that snuffed out potential Pirates rallies.

Marcus Semien stayed hot at the plate, finishing 2-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, continuing to stabilize the top of the lineup.

Key Moment

After the Pirates trimmed the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth, deGrom found himself in a jam with the bases loaded and two outs. He responded by painting the outside corner to freeze Alexander Canario for a critical strikeout that shifted the momentum back to the visitors.

Key Stat

Friday marked deGrom’s 15th start of the season, already tying his highest total since 2021 — a testament to his resilience after multiple injury-shortened campaigns.

Around the Diamond

• Jake Burger exited in the seventh inning with left-side tightness, adding to Texas’ growing injury concerns.
• Wyatt Langford was scratched from the lineup due to back spasms and is considered day-to-day.
• Joey Bart had three hits for Pittsburgh, but the Pirates couldn’t capitalize, stranding multiple runners.

Up Next

The series continues Saturday as the Rangers look to build on the win and keep pressure on in the AL West race. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.