The Texas Rangers season opener wasn't off to a great start, but a historic fourth-inning offensive explosion quickly changed the team's fortunes.
Trailing the Phillies 5-0 early, the Rangers erupted for a nine-run fourth inning. According to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry, Texas tied the 1992 club for the most runs in a single inning on Opening Day in franchise history.
The Rangers victimized Phillies ace Aaron Nola, who had yet to allow a hit through the first three innings on Thursday.
After Jonah Haim started the party, driving in the Rangers' first two runs of the game off a bases-loaded double, Robbie Grossman followed with a three-run home run to tie the game, 5-5.
RG for 3! #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/JfHO25iC9A
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 30, 2023
Four batters later, the Rangers took the lead off an infield RBI single from Nathaniel Lowe. After another run crossed the plate following a passed ball, Adolis Garcia put an exclamation point on the inning, driving home Corey Seager and Lowe before being thrown out at second base to end the inning.
9-run inning, anyone? #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/QBUi5mNWQA
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 30, 2023
In total, 12 batters came to the plate for the Rangers as they chased Nola from the game while picking up their ace, Jacob deGrom, in the process.
The Rangers' $185 million man was staring a loss in the face after giving up five earned runs off only six hits in 3.2 innings of work. Instead of taking the "L," deGrom had to settle for a no-decision in his Rangers debut.
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