PHILADELPHIA — Opening Day brought energy and a late push from the Texas Rangers, but the defending American League club couldn’t complete the comeback in a 5-3 loss to Philadelphia.
The Rangers found themselves playing from behind most of the afternoon before Jake Burger delivered the game’s biggest swing for Texas in the ninth inning. His two-run homer cut the deficit and suddenly put pressure on the Phillies to close it out.
That moment prompted Philadelphia to hand the ball to closer Jhoan Duran, who was called on to finish the job. Duran handled the assignment, recording the final outs to secure the Opening Day victory.
Texas showed flashes late, but missed opportunities earlier in the game proved costly. The Rangers will aim to build off the ninth-inning momentum as they continue their opening series in Philadelphia.
