By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Texas' 2024 MLB season is underway. As the defending World Series champions, the Rangers are determined to build on their dominance. In other words, the team wants to keep the dominance alive to win another title and start a dynasty. With a star-studded roster, this baseball club has potential.
Losing Jordan Montgomery is unfortunate for the club, but honestly, if the Rangers were fully committed to retaining him, they'd have re-signed him months ago. Although they didn't get the sweep, the Rangers are still off to a respectable start. With a 2-1 start, the Rangers lead the American League West.
Game 1 couldn't have been more entertaining. The Rangers pulled through in the bottom of the tenth inning for the 4-3 win. Their resiliency paid off, as did their ability to finish. Chicago coughed up the lead three times, and Texas didn't jump ahead until the game-winning run was scored.
The Cubs jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second in Game 2. However, the Rangers wasted no time by tying the game in the bottom of the second. By the end of the fourth inning, the Rangers led by three, and in the eighth, they put the Cubs away. Cody Bradford went 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on just three hits, striking out six batters, and earning the win. The bullpen had no issues holding the fort, and the bats helped keep pressure away.
Texas' resiliency almost paid off again in Game 3, however, this time the Cubs were not outsmarted. Chicago jumped to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. The Rangers responded with two runs in the second, only for the Cubs to make it 5-2 in the top of the fourth. After the fourth, the game was tied 5-5, and it seemed that the Rangers would soon take the lead. Unfortunately, at the top of the ninth, Jose Leclerc gave up four runs, which was enough for the Cubs to seal the deal. Leclerc would earn the loss on this one.
The star-studded hitting lineup is doing very well so far. Wyatt Langford has wasted no time in making an impression, as well. The pitching seems solid and balanced for the time being despite the Leclerc hiccup in the third game against Chicago. Frankly, the Rangers look good after three games to start their title defense.
Texas is now on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game series before returning home for a seven-game stretch against the Astros and Athletics.