41-75 - Pozo the Virtuoso helps Rangers take opener against A’s 8-6

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

As the contending A’s comically fumbled their way to a loss to the Rangers, it was by and large a good night for players that the Rangers will be evaluating throughout the rest of the season.

Dane Dunning came back from his brief stint on the IL with a decent outing where he allowed a couple of runs on four hits and a couple of walks while striking out four in 4 ²⁄₃ innings.

Capped at around 75 pitches, Dunning tuckered out a bit in his final frame but he continues to look like a piece for the rotation going forward.

Outfielder DJ Peters was picked up off waivers to be given an extended audition in these final weeks and tonight, the Dodgers castoff hit a long two-run shot to give the Rangers some late-innings insurance after Oakland had begun to charge back into this one.

And then there was Yohel Pozo making his MLB debut...

Player of the Game: It was the Pozo show tonight as the rookie DH went 2-for-4 with his first career home run – a three-run shot – that reclaimed the lead and eventually gave Texas the win.

Up Next: The Rangers will induct Adrian Beltre and Chuck Morgan into their Hall of Fame on Saturday night and then there will be a baseball game. RHP Jordan Lyles will make the start for the Texas against RHP James Kaprielian for Oakland. First pitch from The Shed is generously listed as 6:05 pm CT.