SAN DIEGO (July 5, 2025) — The Texas Rangers will head to Petco Park on Saturday evening to square off against the San Diego Padres in the second game of a three-game interleague series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PDT, with rising right-hander Jack Leiter (4-5, 4.29 ERA) set to take the mound for Texas opposite Padres starter Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.73 ERA).

The Rangers (43-45) enter the contest looking to find consistency on the road, where they’ve struggled all season with a 17-26 record. However, their pitching staff has been a bright spot, boasting the American League’s top team ERA at 3.22. Texas is hoping Leiter can build off his recent starts and give them a chance to slow down a Padres team that’s been hot at home.

Leiter, the former No. 2 overall pick, has started to find his rhythm midway through the season. Over his last four outings, he’s pitched to a 3.68 ERA and improved his command, striking out 21 batters across 22 innings. If Leiter can limit traffic early and keep the ball in the park—his biggest challenge this season—Texas has a chance to steal a game on the road.

On the other side, San Diego (47-40) has won three straight at Petco Park and currently sits second in the National League West. The Padres are 26-14 at home and are riding a wave of momentum thanks to solid pitching and timely hitting. Saturday’s starter, Stephen Kolek, has been a steady presence in the rotation, delivering a 3.73 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings pitched.

Kolek has been particularly effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .223 batting average. His cutter-slider combo has generated weak contact, and if he’s able to command the zone early, Texas hitters could be in for a long night.

What to Watch

1. Bullpen Battle:
While the Rangers boast the best ERA in the AL, the Padres have quietly built a deep and versatile bullpen of their own. Texas has relied on a committee approach in the back end, while San Diego features multiple arms that can close games, including fireballer Jeremiah Estrada. Late-inning execution could decide this matchup.

2. Josh Smith’s Bat:
Utility man Josh Smith has emerged as a consistent contributor in the Rangers lineup, entering the weekend with a .280 average. With Corey Seager and Marcus Semien anchoring the top of the order, Smith’s ability to extend innings and create RBI chances will be key against a sharp Padres staff.

3. Petco Power Surge?
The Padres rank in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories, but they’ve been markedly better at home. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth have powered recent wins, and the ball has been flying under the summer lights in San Diego. Leiter’s ability to keep hitters honest will be tested early.

Series Notes

• This marks the second meeting between the teams this season. San Diego won the opener of the series on Friday night, and the Rangers are looking to even the set before Sunday’s finale.

• Texas manager Bruce Bochy returns to face his former club in San Diego, where he managed the Padres from 1995 to 2006.

• The Rangers will look to improve their interleague mark, which currently sits at 7-10.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s clash offers a compelling battle between two teams with playoff aspirations. The Rangers are trying to gain ground in the crowded AL West, while the Padres are pushing to keep pace with the Dodgers and Giants in the NL. With talented young arms on the mound and plenty of star power in both lineups, expect a competitive tilt as these squads continue their midseason march.