Rangers Drop Heartbreaking Home Opener on 9th Inning Reds Home Run The Texas Rangers suffered a 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in their 2026 home opener, marking a disappointing start to the season. The game, played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, ended with the Reds securing a 2-run home run in the 9th inning that proved to be the decisive moment. Despite a solid pitching performance from starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore and a balanced offensive showing, the Rangers fell short of securing the win. Mackenzie Gore, making his home debut for the Rangers, pitched six innings and struck out nine batters. His performance was marred by three runs allowed, all on home runs hit by Reds players Spencer Steer and Elly de la Cruz. While Gore’s outing was commendable, the Rangers’ bullpen struggled in the late innings. Reliever Chris Martin, who entered the game in the 7th, gave up a 2-run home run to Reds outfielder Tyler Stephenson in the 9th, sealing the loss. The Rangers’ offense managed eight hits throughout the game, including two triples by Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo. Danny Jansen contributed a 2-RBI double in the second inning, while Langford tied the game in the 7th with an RBI double. Despite these efforts, the team left seven runners on base and went 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The inability to capitalize on key opportunities proved costly. The game was tied 3-3 entering the 9th inning, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Stephenson’s home run off Martin’s pitch sent the Reds to victory, ending the Rangers’ hopes of a comeback. The loss dropped the team to 4-3 on the season, a stark contrast to their 4-2 road performance earlier in the year.#cincinnati_reds #texas_rangers #globe_life_field #spencer_steer #mackenzie_gore
Tyler Stephenson's go-ahead homer powers Reds past Rangers ARLINGTON — The Cincinnati Reds overcame a slow start to their 2026 season with a dramatic ninth-inning rally, defeating the Texas Rangers 5-3 in the series opener at Globe Life Field. The game, which marked the Rangers’ home debut, saw two underperforming Reds hitters step up when the team needed it most. Tyler Stephenson’s two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning proved to be the difference, securing a hard-fought victory for the Reds. The Reds entered the game struggling offensively, with their lineup failing to capitalize on opportunities. Despite rookie Sal Stewart’s strong start to the season, the rest of the team was batting a combined .155 with a .503 OPS through the first six games. Stephenson, who had gone 1-for-13 in his first two at-bats, and Spencer Steer, who was 1-for-17 heading into the game, were among the players with little to show in their early numbers. However, both players delivered clutch performances in the contest. The game was tied 3-3 in the ninth inning when Steer led off with a double to left-center field. Stephenson followed with a full-count swing against Rangers reliever Chris Martin, driving the pitch over the right-center field wall for his first home run of the season. The walk-off hit gave the Reds the lead and ended the game. Stephenson described the at-bat as a result of patience and a fortunate mistake by Martin. “Just trying to get the job done, get Spence over,” he said. “[Martin] kind of made a mistake out over [the plate] and I was able to drive it out. Just happy with that swing.” Steer, who had struggled to find his rhythm early in the season, also played a key role in the Reds’ victory.#cincinnati_reds #texas_rangers #globe_life_field #tyler_stephenson #spencer_steer
Mississippi State Faces Ole Miss in SEC Showdown #6 Mississippi State (21-4, 4-2 SEC) will take on #18 Ole Miss (19-7, 3-3 SEC) in a matchup at University Stadium in Oxford. The game is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT and will be streamed through the ESPN App. Fans can also listen to the official Mississippi State radio broadcast via HailState.com, the Hail State App, and regular Bulldog Baseball radio affiliates. The Bulldogs have made a change to their pitching rotation for the series opener, sending sophomore lefthander Charlie Foster (0-0, 5.11 ERA) to the mound in place of regular Friday night starter Ryan McPherson (3-0, 2.45 ERA). Foster, who began the season as a weekend starter, was moved out of the rotation during a three-game series in Arlington, Texas, at the College Baseball Showdown at Globe Life Field. Foster has made eight appearances this season, including three starts, and has pitched 12.1 innings. In those outings, he has allowed seven earned runs on 13 hits while striking out 16 batters and walking 12. Opponents have managed a .265 batting average against him. The decision to start Foster marks a shift in strategy for Mississippi State, as the team looks to balance its pitching depth while adapting to the challenges of the SEC schedule. The matchup pits the Bulldogs against Ole Miss, a team with a strong record in the conference. With both squads vying for top rankings in the SEC, the game promises to be a competitive contest. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams’ standings and their prospects in the upcoming NCAA tournament. As the Bulldogs prepare for the challenge, the focus remains on executing their game plan and leveraging the strengths of their pitching staff.#ole_miss #mississippi_state #university_stadium #college_baseball_showdown #globe_life_field
