9-11 - Dunning undone in Windy City as Rangers drop opener 9-7

The Texas Rangers scored seven runs and the Chicago White Sox scored nine runs.

One of the neat, fun things about the self-professed rebuilding season thus far was how dominant Dane Dunning had looked in his initial offerings for Texas. Dunning had a chance to continue that tonight against the team that traded him this winter but, uh, it did not go well.

Dunning had the shortest (non-playoff) game of his big league career and also allowed the most runs in any one start of his young career tonight against his old mates. That’s not a good combination. Ultimately Dunning finished his evening by allowing five earned runs on eight hits, two walks, and just two strikeouts in 2 ²⁄₃ innings and 62 pitches.

All that said, Adolis Garcia — another neat, fun thing about this season thus far — nearly saved Dunning’s bacon with a three-run blast that looked for a moment like the catalyst for another come-from-behind effort on the road.

Instead, it was the White Sox that scored the necessary runs late after Texas had tied the score and the Rangers missed yet another shot at .500.

Player of the Game: Nick Solak hit his team lead-tying fifth home run of the season with a two-run shot to put the Rangers on the board but the accolades are all about Adolis these days.

Later, with two-out in the ninth, Garcia hit his second dong of the night — a solo shot — to also tie the team lead with five homers.

Also, yes, Joey Gallo reached base via a walk.

Up Next: The Rangers and White Sox reconvene on Saturday evening with RHP Kyle Gibson set to make the start for Texas against LHP Dallas Keuchel for the Chicago. First pitch from Guaranteed Rate Field is scheduled for 6:10 pm CT.