ARLINGTON -- Globe Life Field’s run production has been a topic of conversation for well over a year now. The Rangers and opponents alike have struggled to score runs in Arlington.
But the bottom line is that you have to find ways to win at home. One easy way to do that is to have Jacob deGrom on the mound.
The Rangers’ ace took the mound on Sunday afternoon and was immediately dialed in, producing three perfect innings before allowing his first hit, a leadoff double from Nico Hoerner in the fourth. By the end of his day, deGrom completed his longest start of the season, seven scoreless innings to carry Texas to a 3-0 win over the Cubs and secure a series victory against one of the National League’s hottest teams.
deGrom recorded his 1,900th career strikeout with a swinging K of Seiya Suzuki in the first inning, his second of the evening. He became the second fastest pitcher to 1,900 strikeouts in both games (256 to Randy Johnson’s 252) and innings (1577 1/3 to Chris Sale’s 1560 1/3).
deGrom is the ninth active pitcher with 1,900 career strikeouts.
His 10 K's match most by any pitcher against the Cubs this season, joining Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan. His 22 whiffs are also a season high for a pitcher against Chicago, which entered the day with the lowest strikeout percentage (19.9) in the National League.