12-11 – Carter saves, Rangers defeat Pirates 5-1

Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) catches a fly ball hit by Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (not pictured) to end the fifth inning wth runners in scoring position at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Texas Rangers scored five runs while the Pittsburgh Pirates scored one run. Talk about branching paths.

With the Rangers holding a scant 2-1 lead with two outs in the top of the fifth and with two Buccos on the bags for Pittsburgh, Texas hurler Kumar Rocker was nearing that point in the game where he often runs out of bullets. It was at this moment that the fate of tonight’s game was basically decided in an instant. You’ve heard AJM speak on the most momentum shifting play in baseball, the two-out, three-run home run.

Well, Pittsburgh all but enjoyed such an occasion when Oneil Cruz sent one deep to left-center for what looked like his 7th dong of the year, a surely crippling shot. However, Rangers center fielder Evan Carter sprouted wings and robbed Cruz of providing Pittsburgh with a 4-2 lead as the game was exiting the middle innings. Evan Carter robs Oneil Cruz of a homer!

😱 pic. twitter. com/jneXDntom2 — MLB (@MLB) April 22, 2026 Who knows what could or would have happened if Carter hadn’t stolen from the Pirates in broad rooflight, right in front of their stunned bullpen.