deGrom Celebrates 38th Birthday with Victory After Rangers' Offensive Surge

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jacob deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award recipient, marked his 38th birthday in style, leading the Texas Rangers to a thrilling victory thanks to a powerful offensive performance. The night was particularly eventful as deGrom experienced something unusual for the first time in his career: he surrendered a grand slam. This occurred after the Rangers and deGrom believed they had recorded an inning-ending strikeout, only to find themselves down after Ty France’s big hit in the first inning.

Despite a challenging start, the Rangers rallied to secure a 9-7 win over the San Diego Padres, erasing a five-run deficit and eventually taking the lead before the end of the first inning. They regained their advantage in the fourth after the Padres tied the game at 6. “That comeback was as good as there was that I’ve been around in the first inning,” said manager Skip Schumaker.

Although deGrom faced a demanding first inning that lasted 31 pitches, he managed to complete six innings, striking out nine batters and retiring 16 of the last 19 he encountered. He threw a season-high 106 pitches. “It’s incredible, and it just shows you prime deGrom those last five,” remarked Rangers third baseman Josh Jung. Schumaker added, “I would not have thought that after giving up what he gave up in the first.”

After France's slam put the Padres ahead 5-0, the Rangers countered with a six-run rally in the bottom half. They claimed a 6-5 lead following consecutive two-run doubles by Alejandro Osuna and Jake Burger, along with an RBI single from No. 9 batter Elias Díaz. France tied the game again with a homer in the fourth, but Wyatt Langford’s RBI double restored the Rangers’ lead for good. “Obviously didn’t have a very good first inning and for them to come back and take the lead in the bottom of the first was big,” deGrom noted.

The game was complicated by a staffing issue among the umpires, which led to only two officials being present for the first pitch. This resulted in a controversial moment when deGrom and the Rangers believed they had an out, only for the umpire to call it a full count. Umpire John Bacon, positioned behind the mound, ultimately ruled against the Rangers, allowing the Padres to load the bases. “That was tough, but I've still got to make better pitches,” deGrom said. Schumaker also expressed concerns about the lack of umpires, stating, “That was a big moment in the game so I do wonder what happened there.”