SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 7, 2025) — The Texas Rangers look to ride a wave of momentum into Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, as they aim to secure a road series victory behind one of the American League’s stingiest pitching staffs and a rejuvenated offense. First pitch is slated for 3:10 p.m. CT.

The Rangers (44-45) are back within a game of .500 following Saturday’s 7-4 win, powered by a breakout performance from veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka, who went 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBIs from the ninth spot in the order. The victory evened the series and set up a rubber match against a Padres team still holding the second-best record in the NL West at 47-41.

Padres Lean on Arraez, but Fall Short

San Diego enters Sunday looking to rebound after a four-hit effort by Luis Arraez wasn’t enough to carry the team on Saturday. The Padres have won 13 of their last 16 meetings against Texas dating back to 2020, but Saturday’s setback snapped a three-game home win streak and exposed vulnerabilities in their pitching depth.

The Padres will turn to their bullpen or a spot starter for Sunday’s matchup, as the club has yet to officially name a starting pitcher. It’s a notable concern, especially after Saturday starter Stephen Kolek was tagged for six runs on nine hits over just 5 1/3 innings. San Diego’s team ERA has ballooned to 4.01 after allowing 13 combined runs in the first two games of the series.

Rangers Starting to Find a Groove

The defending World Series champions have had a rollercoaster start to 2025, but recent results suggest a team rounding into form. Texas is 6-4 over its last 10 games and owns a +18 run differential over that stretch, thanks to a 2.87 team ERA and steady offensive production. Their team batting average (.245) may not turn heads, but timely hitting and long-ball power from the likes of Josh Smith, Wyatt Langford, and Jonah Heim have helped Texas manufacture big innings.

Sunday’s pitching assignment will go to Jack Leiter (4-5, 4.29 ERA), who continues to show growth in his rookie season. The right-hander has struck out 58 batters in 63 innings while maintaining a WHIP of 1.30. Leiter will be tasked with keeping San Diego’s top-of-the-order hitters — particularly Arraez, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado — in check after they combined for seven hits on Saturday.

Key Players to Watch

Texas Rangers:

• Kyle Higashioka: After a career-best night on Saturday, the veteran catcher could find himself back in the lineup Sunday. His power at the bottom of the order gives the Rangers unexpected depth.

• Wyatt Langford: The rookie phenom continues to be a sparkplug, scoring multiple runs in three of his last five starts.

• Jack Leiter: His development is key to Texas staying in the AL West hunt. Sunday’s outing offers a measuring stick against a playoff-caliber lineup.

San Diego Padres:

• Luis Arraez: With four hits Saturday, Arraez raised his season average to .317. He’s reached base safely in 11 of his last 12 games.

• Manny Machado: Sitting just two hits shy of 2,000 for his career, Machado will be eager to make history in front of the home crowd.

• Bullpen depth: With no announced starter, San Diego’s bullpen will be under the spotlight. Relievers like Charlie Beilenson and Robert Suarez could be leaned on heavily.

What’s at Stake

For Texas, a series win on the road against a contender like San Diego could signal a midseason surge as they aim to close ground in the AL West. For the Padres, protecting home field and bouncing back from a shaky pitching performance is crucial in a tightly packed National League playoff race.

One team seeks to prove its resurgence is real. The other is trying to avoid a potential stumble. All signs point to a high-stakes, evenly matched finale under the Southern California sun.