[ad_1]
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jonah Heim ended the World Series champion Texas Rangers’ opener with an RBI in the 10th inning after missing the play due to a foul tip issue that gave the Chicago Cubs the lead. Ta.
Heim made up for his mistake Thursday night after the Rangers game with a two-out liner to lead Texas to a 4-3 victory. Unfurled the franchise’s first World Series championship flag. before a dramatic victory.
“The important thing is that he was successful and made that big hit,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.
Adris Garcia and Travis Jankowski hit home runs for the Rangers, and Wyatt Langford made his memorable major league debut.
After Chicago took the lead in the top half of the inning, Jankowski hit a tying pinch-hit home run in the top of the ninth.
Michael Busch scored from second base on what Heim thought was a foul tip, but he did not immediately retrieve the ball. Slow-motion replays showed him tipping the bat, but that type of play is not subject to video review. Jose Leclerc, who gave Bush a walk and did not defend his turn at bat, was charged with a wild pitch.
“Just taking advantage of a little bit of confusion on the field and running the bases up heads up,” Craig Counsell said after the game. First game as Cubs manager. “We kind of scored a point there.”
Heim, who won an All-Star and a Gold Glove last season, took full responsibility.
“Obviously, what happened can’t have happened. … Just finish the play and carry on,” Heim said. “Thankfully, Travis came out and helped me out and gave me a push on his back, and those 10 great at-bats gave me a chance to put some things into practice.”
Cubs seventh pitcher Drew Smyly walked two, loaded the bases, and Heim ended the game.
Veteran relief pitcher David Robertson, who was signed by Texas as a free agent, played No. 10 and contributed to the victory.
Cubs left-hander Justin Steele had six strikeouts in his first career Opening Day start. Exited due to left hamstring strain Five innings, two outs. He was selected as an All-Star for the first time and had a 15-6 record with a 3.06 ERA last year, but was injured while fielding a sacrifice bunt. Counsell said the pitcher is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday and will likely be placed on the disabled list.
Winner Nathan Eovaldi, who clinched Texas’ first victory in Game 5 of the World Series in Arizona on November 1 of last year, allowed two runs through six innings in the opening game.
Texas had rookies Langford and Evan Carter in the lineup, along with all six of last season’s All-Stars, including Eovaldi. Carter debuted at the end of last season, but Langford is a designated hitter and the first Rangers position player to start on Opening Day and make his MLB debut since former shortstop Elvis Andrus in 2009.
Langford, the fourth overall pick in last summer’s amateur draft, hit a game-tying sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. His first major league hit was an infield hit right after Garcia’s home run in the sixth inning. He was intentionally given a walk in the 8th inning with two outs and the count 3-0, and in the 10th inning, he was grounded out by a fielder’s choice right before Heim took the mound.
“I think it’s a sign of respect that Wyatt is already in the game,” Bochy said of the free pass. “I honestly wasn’t surprised because he was 3-0. But I think we all know he can handle a bat.”
CODY’s contribution
1 month after Slugger Cody Bellinger signs $80 million, 3-year contract Despite opting out after this season to remain with the Cubs, the 2019 National League MVP hit an RBI double to give Chicago a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning.
Full house
The sold-out crowd of 42,130 was the largest ever for a regular season game at Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020. The only time a game had a bigger crowd was in three playoff games last October.
next
A day off before RHP Kyle Hendricks pitches for the Cubs on Saturday. Texas plans to use LHP Cody Bradford.
___
APMLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
[ad_2]
Source link
