ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers fought back twice but couldn’t overcome a late homer, falling 5–3 to the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day at Globe Life Field.
Texas erased early deficits of 2–0 and 3–2, but Cincinnati’s power proved decisive. A two-run blast from Tyler Stephenson in the ninth inning broke the tie and silenced a sellout crowd of 37,635.
The loss dropped Texas to 4–3 on the young season and marked its second straight home opener defeat.
Left-hander MacKenzie Gore impressed in his Rangers debut, striking out nine over six innings without issuing a walk. The damage came via the long ball, including a two-run homer by Spencer Steer in the second and a go-ahead solo shot from Elly De La Cruz in the sixth. Outside of those swings, Gore limited Cincinnati to minimal contact.
Texas answered with timely hitting. Danny Jansen delivered a two-run double in the second to tie the game, while Wyatt Langford sparked the offense with a triple and a game-tying double. Brandon Nimmo continued his hot start, reaching base three times and extending his hitting streak to six games.
Cincinnati starter Brady Singer kept Texas in check through five-plus innings, allowing two runs while retiring nine straight at one point. The bullpen held firm until the Reds reclaimed control late.
In the end, all five Cincinnati runs came via home runs — a formula that proved too much for Texas to overcome on a day meant for celebration.
The Rangers continue their homestand against the Reds on Saturday, looking to even the series and regain early-season momentum.
