Kumar Rocker strikes out 8 and earns 1st MLB win as Rangers sweep Angels 5-3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kumar Rocker struck out a career-best eight in a career-long seven innings to earn his first MLB victory as the Texas Rangers beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 Thursday night to complete a three-game series sweep.

Rocker (1-2) threw a career-high 78 pitches and allowed three runs on five hits without a walk as the Rangers extended their home winning streak to nine games. The 25-year-old right-hander was drafted third overall by Texas in 2022, a year after concerns over a physical led to him going unsigned by the New York Mets as the 10th overall pick. He made his big league debut in September and was 0-2 last season.

Leody Taveras had a two-run double and Adolis García’s solo home run was his 15th against the Angels. Corey Seager hit his 100th homer with Texas. Robert Garcia earned his first major league save.

The Angels lost their fourth straight game and scored four runs in the series. They head home having played 15 of their first 18 games on the road, matching a MLB high, most recently done by 1957 Chicago Cubs.

Jack Kochanowicz (1-2) gave up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings in the loss.

Bruce Bochy moved into a tie with Dusty Baker for seventh place overall with his 2,183rd managerial win.

The Angels scored twice with two out, closing within 4-3 in the fifth, and had runners on first and second for Mike Trout, who struck out on a check swing called by first base umpire Lance Barrett.

Rocker received three runs of support total in his first five big league starts.

On Friday, Angels RHP Tyler Anderson (1-0, 2.87 ERA) will face San Francisco Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-0, 2.63). Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (0-0, 4.30) will seek his first win since April 2023 against Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2-1, 1.23).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Texas Rangers third base coach Tony Beasley wears a message on a bracelet during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager fields an infield hit by Los Angeles Angels' Tim Anderson during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Jewelry breaks after Texas Rangers' Jake Burger was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Angels players gather around starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz, center, for a mound visit during the second inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz throws a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers' Kyle Higashioka (11) is tagged out at home by Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe while trying to score on a two-run double by Leody Taveras during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers' Jake Burger, left, reacts after being hit by a pitch as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe looks on during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers' Adolis García (53) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run off Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers' Leody Taveras watches his ball as he connects for a two-run double against Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker throws a pitch to the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2025--

Citizens for Judicial Fairness (CJF), an advocacy organization committed to promoting transparency and diversity in Delaware’s courts and public leadership, today presented a $10,000 donation to the Food Bank of Delaware to support its ongoing efforts to combat hunger and provide essential services to families in need.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501791186/en/

The donation underscores CJF’s growing investment in Delaware’s community infrastructure, aligning its mission for judicial and institutional fairness with support for on-the-ground work that fosters resilience and equity.

“In the face of uncertainty brought on by recent federal decisions, I’m incredibly grateful to have community partners like Citizens for Judicial Fairness. Their generous donation to the Food Bank of Delaware helps ensure this vital organization can continue its important work—serving thousands of Delaware families and bringing hope to those who need it most,”said Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown.

The event, held at the Food Bank’s Newark facility, brought together elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the power of collaboration in advancing equity and access for all Delawareans.

“ At Citizens for Judicial Fairness, our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in leadership—especially within our courts and institutions,” said Jackie Griffith, Executive Director of Citizens for Judicial Fairness. “But lasting change requires more than policy reform; it requires strong, resilient communities. That’s why we’re proud to support the Food Bank of Delaware. Their work not only addresses food insecurity, it helps build the kind of civic strength that empowers people to engage, lead, and demand more representative leadership. A more resilient Delaware is the foundation for a fairer Delaware—and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”

The Food Bank of Delaware serves tens of thousands of residents each year, providing nutritious meals and vital support services while advocating for long-term solutions to hunger and poverty. CJF’s donation will help expand these efforts at a time when demand for food assistance remains high across the state.

“We’re grateful to Citizens for Judicial Fairness for this generous gift,” said Chad Robinson, Vice President of External Affairs at the Food Bank of Delaware. “Tackling food insecurity takes a village —all of us can play a role - nonprofits, the public sector, and private partners. Together, we are working towards a Delaware where no person struggles with how to put food on their table and showing the world how good things happen when we work together.”

This contribution is one of several CJF has made to local organizations in recent months as part of its effort to build momentum for a more inclusive, responsive, and transparent system of governance in Delaware. Earlier this year, CJF also donated $10,000 to the Police Athletic League of Wilmington’s D.I.V.A.S. program, which empowers young women through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentoring—further demonstrating CJF’s commitment to uplifting grassroots efforts that create real opportunities for Delawareans.

Citizens for Judicial Fairness Donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Delaware to Support Statewide Fight Against Food Insecurity

Citizens for Judicial Fairness Donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Delaware to Support Statewide Fight Against Food Insecurity