2026 MLB Daily Recap: Rangers Overtake Mariners, Sandoval Sterling

It was a heavy day of action on July 9, as all but four teams were in action across Major League Baseball. Texas ended on a high note, as the Rangers moved into first place heading into the final weekend before the break.

Lead change in AL West

A Wyatt Langford walk-off single off ex-teammate Kirby Yates gave the Rangers a 7-6 victory, and for now, sole possession of first place in the AL West. Texas moved into first after the Mariners lost to the Marlins in Miami.

Miami, now on a six-game winning streak, won 8-4 over the Seattle Mariners on July 9. Griffin Conine had three hits, one of which was his fourth home run of the season. Jakob Marsee and Leo Jimenez each had two hits.

Bryce Miller, who’s been one of baseball’s best pitchers over the last two months, conceded six runs (four earned runs) over five innings.

Sandoval excellent in 2026 debut

The Red Sox won 2-1 on July 9 on the heels of a two-run shot from Caleb Durbin and strong pitching.

Boston’s rotation has been filled with lefties this season, and another one joined the fray on the 9th. Patrick Sandoval, who signed with the Red Sox in December 2024, made his first start with the club and struck out five over 4.1 IP.

Yankees split series with Rays

Ex-Ray Ryan Yarbrough picked up the win in the Yankees’ 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Seven pitchers pieced together nine innings for the Yankees on a bullpen day. But it was the offense that stole the show.

Six players had two hits for the Yankees. One of them was Ben Rice, who hit two home runs to push him to 28 on the season.

Williams wins 10th game

The Guardians avoided tying with the Twins in the AL Wild Card race, as Cleveland won 5-2 in Minnesota.

Cleveland hit three solo home runs, as Gabriel Arias, Chase DeLauter, and Patrick Bailey each hit one for the Guardians.

Gavin Williams struck out 11 over seven innings to win his 10th game of the year.

Braves put up 10 in Pittsburgh

Atlanta’s pitching staff had to piece things together after Bryce Elder went just four innings. Luckily, the offense took care of things for the Braves, who put up 10 in Pittsburgh.

The Braves had 11 hits, three of which belonged to rookie Jim Jarvis. Jarvis hit his first career home run, one of three homers by the Braves. Matt Olson and Mike Yastrzemski also hit home runs.

As for the Pirates, Jake Mangum had himself a four-hit day.

Everything else

• Mets def. Royals 7-3
• Orioles def. Cubs 3-2
• Tigers def. Athletics 4-1
• Phillies def. Reds 1-0
• Brewers def. Cardinals 8-4
• Giants def. Rockies 8-2
• Diamondbacks def. Padres 3-1