ARLINGTON, Texas — Marcus Semien’s homer broke a tie in the eighth inning and helped the Rangers beat the Cincinnati Reds, 2-1, on Friday night.
Semien hit a fastball from Lucas Sims (1-1) to left field.
Kirby Yates earned his fourth save in four chances by pitching a scoreless ninth inning after José Leclerc (2-2) retired all batters in order in his fifth scoreless appearance.
Evan Carter tied the game at one run for the Rangers with a home run leading off the second inning off starter Graham Ashcraft.
Cincinanti was limited to three singles, none after the sixth inning, and struck out in 12 at-bats.
Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi tied a season high with eight strikeouts, allowing one run on three hits and five walks – three in the first inning – over six innings.
For the Rangers, Dominican Leody Taveras went 2-for-3.
For the Reds, Dominican Elly De La Cruz went 0-2 with one run scored.
