The Rangers erased an early deficit with a decisive fifth-inning rally, defeating the Pirates 5-1 at Globe Life Field on Monday night.
Kumar Rocker anchored the victory with six innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits while striking out five. The right-hander worked efficiently through 88 pitches, carrying a 3.48 ERA into his next start.
Texas broke open a 2-1 game in the fifth with three consecutive scoring plays. Duran doubled to left to bring Smith home, extending the lead to 3-1. Seager followed with a single to center that scored Duran. Jung then grounded into a fielder's choice that brought Seager across the plate for the final margin.
Pittsburgh managed just one run despite collecting six hits. Cruz scored in the first inning on O'Hearn's single to center, but the Pirates could not sustain any offensive momentum against Rocker and the Texas bullpen.
The Rangers improved to 11-11 and snapped a two-game losing streak. Pittsburgh fell to 13-9 despite winning their previous game.