Marlins rally comes up short as free fall back toward .500 continues in Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rookie Josh Jung hit the third of three multi-run home runs for Texas in the middle innings and the Rangers overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat the Miami Marlins 9-8 on Saturday for their fifth consecutive victory.

Robbie Grossman hit a three-run homer in the fourth, and Corey Seager had a two-run homer in the fifth preceding Jung’s first-pitch, two-run shot.

Jon Gray (7-5) earned his first victory since June 2, allowing five runs — three earned — on six hits and two walks. Gray pitched on 11 days of rest, missing his previous rotation turn with lingering effects of a liner off his left shin July 19.

Will Smith got his 20th save in 22 opportunities despite allowing a two-run homer to Jake Burger.

Seager has three homers in four games since returning from the injured list with a sprained right thumb.

Ryan Weathers (1-7), who was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville before the game, gave up the homers to Seager and Jung, plus RBI doubles to Nathaniel Lowe in the seventh and eighth innings.

Weathers, acquired from San Diego at the trade deadline, threw 95 pitches in relief.

Marlins rookie George Soriano shut out Texas on one hit through three innings in his first major league start before Adolis Garcia walked, Jung singled and Grossman homered.

Jorge Soler and Luis Arraez had RBI doubles as the Marlins scored five runs in the third and fourth innings. Nick Fortes hit a solo homer in the sixth.

GETTING A WHIFF

Texas pitching fanned 12 batters and has double-digit strikeouts in five consecutive games. The franchise record is six, done in August 2020.

COMING, GOING

Marlins RHP Huascar Brazoban also was recalled from Jacksonville. … Marlins LHP Devin Smeltzer was designated for assignment.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. left the game with a right hamstring cramp after being thrown out trying to steal second base in the third inning. … RHP JT Chargois (right rib-cage strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Friday.

UP NEXT

The series finale Sunday will match Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 4.21 ERA) against Rangers LHP Andrew Heaney (8-6, 4.36). Alcantara, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, has won one of his last six starts. Heaney, 32, would match his high for wins in a season with a victory.