Rangers slugger Joc Pederson smashed his seventh leadoff homer in a 3-2 loss to the Angels, tying for second-most in franchise history.
Texas Rangers slugger Joc Pederson moved closer to the franchise’s single-season record for leadoff home runs Tuesday, launching his seventh of the year in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Pederson opened the game by taking Los Angeles starter Ryan Johnson deep, sending the ball 416 feet into the ficus trees beyond center field. The solo shot gave Texas an early lead and was his 22nd home run of the season. It was also the 33rd leadoff homer of Pederson’s career.
With seven leadoff home runs this season, Pederson is tied for the second-highest single-season total in Rangers franchise history, including the organization’s years as the Washington Senators. His next target is Marcus Semien’s team record of 10, set in 2023.
The 34-year-old finished Tuesday 1-for-1 with the home run and three walks. The Angels issued free passes in each of his following three plate appearances, limiting his opportunities after his opening-inning blast.
Pederson entered the contest batting .248/.335/.500 and now has 22 homers, 45 RBI and 49 runs scored through 108 games and 360 plate appearances. His 22 home runs leave him three shy of matching his highest tally since his career-best 36-homer season in 2019. He has not exceeded 23 homers in a season since then, reaching 23 in both 2022 and 2024.
Despite Pederson’s early contribution, Texas managed only two runs. Jarred Kelenic supplied the other RBI with a sixth-inning single, his first run-producing hit since May 15. The Rangers were held hitless after Kelenic’s single and stranded eight runners.
Cody Bradford allowed five hits while pitching seven innings in his second start since returning from elbow surgery that kept him out since 2024.
Texas fell for only the second time in seven games as Los Angeles ended a three-game losing streak with its fourth win in 14 games.
Texas Rangers slugger Joc Pederson moved closer to the franchise’s single-season record for leadoff home runs Tuesday, launching his seventh of the year in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Pederson opened the game by taking Los Angeles starter Ryan Johnson deep, sending the ball 416 feet into the ficus trees beyond center field.