ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers dropped back to .500 on Friday night, falling 8-1 to the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field as a barrage of home runs swung the series opener and the division race.
The loss moves Texas to 13-13, one game behind Oakland (14-12) in the American League West. After taking the first meeting between the clubs earlier this month, the Rangers have now dropped three of the last four matchups.
Oakland set the tone immediately. Nick Kurtz opened the game with a leadoff home run on the first pitch, part of a historic first inning that saw the Athletics launch three solo shots — the first time in franchise history they’ve homered three times in the top of the first. Back-to-back blasts from Carlos Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom followed, putting Texas in an early 3-0 hole.
That was more than enough support for Luis Severino, who delivered his strongest outing of the season. The right-hander worked 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out six to earn his first win of 2026.
Meanwhile, Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi endured a difficult night. The veteran right-hander surrendered a season-high four home runs and six runs overall, matching the second-most long balls he’s allowed in a single game in his career. After retiring 11 straight hitters following the opening inning, Eovaldi ran into trouble again in the fifth when Cortes delivered a three-run homer to stretch the deficit to 6-1.
The Rangers’ offense never found traction. Their lone run came in the fourth inning when Josh Jung drove in Corey Seager with a ground-rule double. Jung finished 1-for-4 but continues to pace the majors with a .379 batting average in April. Josh Smith reached base three times in the loss.
Oakland added insurance late, including a two-run homer in the ninth from Zack Gelof, capping a five-homer performance — tied for the second-most the Rangers have allowed in a game at Globe Life Field.
The Athletics, who have now won eight of their last nine road games, continue to surge early in the season. Texas, meanwhile, has allowed 17 runs over its last three home contests after giving up just 13 across its first seven at Globe Life Field.
The series continues Saturday as the Rangers look to even things up and regain ground in a tightening division race.
