ARLINGTON – The Texas Rangers opened their three-game set against Philadelphia with a 9-1 loss Friday night, snapping a decade-long home dominance over the Phillies. Texas had won 10 straight meetings in Arlington dating back to 2014 but couldn’t generate offense after the first inning.
Josh Jung’s RBI single in the opening frame provided the only run for Texas. The third baseman has been a steady bat since returning from Triple-A in late July, now hitting .341 over his last 12 games. Ezequiel Duran continued his hot streak with two hits, including a perfectly placed bunt single in the seventh, pushing his season average above .200 for the first time this year.
Newly acquired starter Merrill Kelly struggled in his Globe Life Field debut, walking a season-high five and surrendering two solo homers. His outing ended in the fifth, snapping a string of eight consecutive starts allowing three runs or fewer.
The loss marks Texas’ second straight at home after an eight-game win streak in Arlington. The Rangers are now 2-2 on their nine-game homestand, with two more against Philadelphia before Arizona comes to town.
