CINCINNATI, OHIO — Jack Leiter was nothing short of impressive in his second start of the season, leading the Rangers to a 1-0 victory over the Reds. The young right-hander was dominant early, retiring the first 11 batters he faced before Elly De La Cruz finally broke through with a double. Despite dealing with a blister on his pitching hand that forced him out after five innings, Leiter (2-0) finished with six strikeouts, matching his career high, and gave up just three hits.
The only run of the game came in the fourth inning when Josh Smith delivered a two-out double, scoring Joc Pederson off Reds starter Hunter Greene (0-1). Greene was solid, allowing just one run over seven innings, though he was tagged with the loss after surrendering only two hits.
Smith, who started the season hitless in his first eight at-bats, made an immediate impact with a pair of hits in the final two games of the series, including the game-winning knock.
Up next:
The Rangers will enjoy a well-timed off-day Thursday before opening a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays. Texas will send Tyler Mahle (0-0, 5.40 ERA) to the mound, while Tampa Bay counters with Zack Littell (0-1, 1.50 ERA).
