Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (36) rounds first base on a triple to right field during the fifth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
At long last, it is officially baseball time in Texas.
After six games on the road to open the 2026 season, the Texas Rangers (4-3) opened a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds (4-3) at Globe Life Field on Friday. A back-and-forth afternoon turned into a late collapse by the Rangers bullpen in the 5-3 loss.
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Follow along below with our writers and photographers for more from the scene in Arlington:
Game coverage
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— MacKenzie Gore has created intriguing buzz in first two Rangers starts
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— Watch: Jake Oettinger throws first pitch at Rangers’ home opener
Fans raise their caps as Neal McCoy sings the national anthem before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Security workers patrol the North Plaza before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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4-year-old Hayden Davenport hits off an air powered batting tee before the Texas Rangers home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Baseball fans cross Randol Mill Road as they make their way to Globe Life Field before the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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A party “boat” cruises outside the stadium before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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The Texas Rangers grounds crew places first base into place before the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers fans wear the jerseys of former players Marcus Semien and Adolis García before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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The Budweiser Clydesdales make their way around the warning track before the Texas Rangers home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger is interviewed by Jared Sandler (right) and Elvis Andrus before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Rangers Sports Network host Elvis Andrus wears the 9th Inning Rally Sombrero alongside co-host Jared Sandler before the Texas Rangers home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers fans cheer as outfielder Evan Carter (32) is introduced before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob Degrom (right) high-fives his teammates before the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Fans watch pregame festivities before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers right fielder Andrew McCutchen (right) fist bumps his teammates during player introductions before the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers fan Donna Vernon cheers during payer introductions before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) high fives pitcher Jacob Degrom during pregame introductions before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker greets Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona before the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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The Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds stand as country music artist Neal McCoy performs the national anthem before the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger throws a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Dallas Stars goaltender and Olympic gold medalist Jake Oettinger reacts after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Dallas Stars goaltender and Olympic gold medalist Jake Oettinger poses for a photo with third base coach Corey Ragsdale after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) exchanges lineups with Cincinnati Reds third base coach Willie Harris before a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore (1) throws during the first inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore (1) walks to the dugout after striking out Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz during the first inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo steps to the plate to lead off the bottom of the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford bats during the first inning a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) reacts after striking out during the first inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) pumps his fist as he score a run during the second inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) high fives center fielder Evan Carter (32) as they score a pair of runs during the second inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers catcher Danny Jansen (9) reacts after scoring two on a double to left during the second inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran (20) celebrates a pair of runs scored by Evan Carter (32) and Josh Jung (6)during the second inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
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Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) fields a ground ball from Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz and throws to second base for an out during the third inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Baseball fans react as a foul ball bounces off the steps near them during the fifth inning of the Texas Rangers home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) fields a hit off the bat of Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) during the fifth inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) jogs to the dugout after making a running catch for an out during the fifth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) fouls off a pitch near his foot during the fifth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (36) triples to right field during the fifth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) fields a single from Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke’bryan Hayes during the seventh inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (36) catches a fly ball off the bat of Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain for an out during the seventh inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
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Texas Rangers relief pitcher Chris Martin (31) throws during the ninth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
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Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) and right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) walk back to their positions after Cincinnati Reds center fielder Tyler Stephenson hit a two-run homer during the ninth inning of the home opener at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
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Texas Rangers relief pitcher Chris Martin (31) watches a replay after giving up a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) throws to first for an out during the ninth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Chris Martin (31) sits in the dugout after giving up two runs during the ninth inning of the home opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington. The Reds defeated the Rangers 5-3.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
Final: Reds def. Rangers, 5-3
Ninth inning: Reds 5, Rangers 3
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Top: Chris Martin came in from the bullpen, but was unable to keep the score tied. He gave up a two-run homer to Tyler Stephenson.
Bottom: Emilio Pagán came in to close the game for Cincy. He retired the side in order, ending the game on a Brandon Nimmo strikeout.
Eighth inning: Rangers 3, Reds 3
Top: Jakob Junis came on in relief of Cole Winn, and retired the side in order. Josh Jung ended the frame snagging a line drive with a dive down the third base line.
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Bottom: Texas went down in order in the eighth vs. Reds reliever Tony Santillan.
Seventh inning: Rangers 3, Reds 3
Top: Cole Winn came on to pitch for Texas. Despite giving up a pair of singles, he kept the Reds off the scoreboard.
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Bottom: Graham Ashcraft came out of the bullpen and surrendered the lead. Brandon Nimmo tripled into the right field corner before Wyatt Langford doubled him home.
Sixth inning: Reds 3, Rangers 2
Top: Gore surrendered a 385-foot homer to Elly De La Cruz to lead off the inning. Cincy went down in order afterwards. Gore’s day ends after six innings at 88 pitches.
Bottom: Jake Burger led off with a double, knocking Brady Singer out of the game in favor of reliver Sam Moll, and the hometown crowd got to see a bat in Andrew McCutchen’s hands for the first time as he pinch-hit for Joc Pederson. But the Rangers were eventually held scoreless again.
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MacKenzie Gore’s home debut: 6 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 9 K, 0 BB. The Reds got to him with the pair of home runs and not much else.
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) April 3, 2026
Fifth inning: Rangers 2, Reds 2
Top: Gore opened the inning with back-to-back strikeouts, and closed with a Dane Myers lineout to center, erasing a Matt McLain single.
Bottom: Despite a Wyatt Langford triple to the gap in right-center field, the Rangers were held scoreless.
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Fourth inning: Rangers 2, Reds 2
Top: The Reds again find at least one baserunner, another Eugenio Suarez single, but nothing else. Gore struck out Tyler Stephenson to end the inning. He is at 67 pitches.
Bottom: Singer answers Gore’s blank inning with another of his own. He is at 66 pitches.
Third inning: Rangers 2, Reds 2
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Top: Gore gets back on track with a shutdown inning. Matt McLain was the only Reds player to reach with a single.
Bottom: Texas went quietly in the third, a one-two-three inning, with strikeouts from Jake Burger and Corey Seager.
Second inning: Rangers 2, Reds 2
Top: Gore hit his first speed bump as a Eugenio Suarez single led to a two-run homer from Spencer Steer. Reds take a 2-0 lead.
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Bottom: The Rangers answered back with a two-out rally. A Josh Jung single, an Evan Carter double and a Danny Jansen line drive that got past a diving Steer in left field tied the game 2-2.
First inning: Rangers 0, Reds 0
Top: Tough to argue with a three-up, three-down start from MacKenzie Gore. He struck out Dane Myers and Elly De La Cruz in the process. First pitch was scheduled for 3:08 p.m.
Bottom: Brady Singer also got off to a quick start, only needing to see four batters in a scoreless first. Brandon Nimmo had a lead off walk, but was the inning’s final out at second base on a fielder’s choice.
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Pregame: Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Neal McCoy sang the national anthem. The Globe Life Field roof is closed for Friday’s game.
Related: Texas Rangers’ new 2026 ballpark foods include 3 head-scratchers
Starting lineups
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Fans tailgate before a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Arlington.
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More pregame reading (and listening)
— SportsDay Rangers Episode 32: The one where Michael Young returns
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