Seager homers twice as Rangers avoid a sweep in Chicago, beat Cubs 6-2

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Texas Rangers Corey Seager (5) hits a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers Corey Seager (5) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers’ Corey Seager (5) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers’ Leody Taveras (3), hugs Corey Seager (5) after Seager hit a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) throws out Texas Rangers’ Kyle Higashioka at first base during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya (9) catches a pop out in foul territory by Texas Rangers’ Josh Jung during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers designated hitter Jonah Heim, right, slaps hands with Kevin Pillar (1) after Heim hit a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (15) makes a pitching change during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, left, reacts after beating the tag by Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) for a triple during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs’ Michael Busch (29) waves after hitting a single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) scores on a single by Michael Busch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle (51) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

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Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) hits a triple during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

By GAVIN DORSEY

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CHICAGO (AP) — Texas shortstop Corey Seager homered twice as the Rangers avoided a sweep in Chicago, beating the Cubs 6-2 on Wednesday.

The two-time World Series MVP opened the game with a solo shot to left-center, and then lined another solo home run to right field in the seventh to put the Rangers up five. It was Seager’s 18th career game with multiple home runs and his first since August 19, 2024.

Rangers pitcher Tyler Mahle (2-0) held Chicago to just two hits in seven innings. The right-hander allowed one earned run and lowered his season ERA to 1.32.

Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.70 ERA) picked up the loss for Chicago, allowing a season-high five earned runs in five innings. The Japanese-born lefty struck out four while giving up seven hits, including two home runs.

Chicago had won seven of its last eight entering the series finale.

Seiya Suzuki hit a triple and subsequently scored in the fourth inning, and then had an RBI single in the ninth.

Key moment

With the game knotted at one, Texas unleashed a four-run fifth inning to pull ahead for good. Jonah Heim slugged a two-run homer to deep left-center, breaking the tie, and Josh Jung added an RBI double. Adolis García hit a single into the centerfield gap, scoring Jung and giving the Rangers a 5-1 lead.

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Key stat

Chicago was just 4 for 31 at the plate. Entering the ninth inning, the Cubs had just two hits.

Up next

The Cubs are set to head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers on Friday. Chicago was 0-2 against the Dodgers in a season-opening series in Tokyo, Japan. The Rangers are scheduled to continue their road trip on Friday in Seattle.

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