The defending World Series champions Texas Rangers (3-1) blew out the Tampa Bay Rays (2-3) 9-3 on Monday night at Tropicana Field in a rematch of the 2023 AL Wild Card matchup.
The Rangers picked up right where they left off in sweeping the Rays out off the playoffs in October, building a 6-0 lead in the sixth inning. The Rays answered with three runs in the seventh when they got a solo homer from Richie Palacios and a two-run blast from Jose Siri.
Josh Jung was the star for the Rangers, going 3-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored. His three-run blast in the first inning gave the Rangers a lead they would never relinquish.
The Rays will now look to even the series when they meet the Rangers in the middle game of the three-game series on Tuesday night. Opening Day starter Zach Eflin (0-1, 9.53) will get the start for the Rays, against Andrew Heaney for Texas. First pitch on Tuesday night is scheduled for 6:50 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES