The Texas Rangers (6-2) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (4-3) 5-2 on Friday afternoon in the series opener in Arlington, Texas. It was the first road game of the season for the Rays, who played their first two series at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Tyler Mahle (1-0, 1.35) kept the Rays off the board in his five innings of work, allowing just one hit while striking touf five and walking two. The Rangers were able to get to Zack Littell (0-2, 4.15) for four runs in the third inning to take control of the game. Littell finished the game allowing five earned runs on six hits in seven innings of work in which he struck out three and walked two.
The Rays will look to even the series against the Rangers coming up on Saturday night. Taj Bradley (1-0, 3.00) will get the start for the Rays, and face Jacob deGrom (0-0, 0.00) for Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Chris Adams-Wall at 3:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES