15-29 - Open and shut case as Rangers ambushed early by A’s in 10-6 loss

The Texas Rangers scored six runs and the Oakland Athletics scored ten runs.

The Rangers could have used an opener for their opener tonight as the caddy for Jordan Lyles — Luis Garcia — walked the first three hitters he faced and then allowed a grand slam to the game’s fourth batter.

The Rangers had to relieve their opener before their “starter” Lyles ever threw a pitch. That is not ideal.

Lyles wasn’t much better himself as he allowed three runs in the top of the second and another in the top of the third to give the A’s an 8-1 lead after two and a half innings. Before all was said and done, Lyles allowed five runs in seven innings and, if nothing else, he gave the bullpen a reprieve ahead of tomorrow’s doubleheader by throwing 115 pitches in a lost cause.

The Rangers scored five of their six runs late — capped off by a two-run Rougned Odor dinger — but by that time, the damage had long been done.

The good news is, no one will ever remember this game except that it was also Sam Huff’s major league debut so he’s cursed to remember this one forever.

Player of the Game: Elvis Andrus hit his third home run of the season. :3

Up Next: The Rangers and Athletics will play a doubleheader at The Shed tomorrow with Texas still waiting to announce who will start for them in the opener while Oakland will send RHP Daulton Jefferies to the mound to make his MLB debut. Game 1 is scheduled for a 4:05 pm CT first pitch.

In Game 2, the Rangers will send Kolby Allard to the mound opposite RHP Chris Bassitt for the Athletics.