In a series-opening clash at Globe Life Field, the Texas Rangers found themselves on the wrong side of a 9-8 scoreline against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Carlos Santana of the Brewers swung the momentum in their favor with a critical three-run home run off Rangers reliever Josh Sborz (5-5) during the seventh inning, ultimately securing the victory for Milwaukee.

During the Rangers’ final offensive inning, they managed to put up an impressive fight by scoring four runs, compelling the Brewers to bring in their closer, Devin Williams (29), to secure the save.

While the Rangers (72-50) faced a setback in this match, their position in the American League West race remained stable due to the Houston Astros’ 2-0 loss against the Seattle Mariners. This outcome allowed the Rangers to maintain their 2 1/2-game lead, although the Mariners remain a formidable competitor just five games behind.

Rangers starter Andrew Heaney’s performance fell short, as he was unable to complete the fourth inning. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t prevent the Brewers from erasing a narrow one-run lead.

Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers’ starter (66-57), didn’t factor directly into the outcome. The win went to Milwaukee’s Elvis Peguero (3-4).

Andrew Heaney faced an early exit for the second consecutive start, this time due to performance-related issues rather than illness. Heaney’s outing lasted 3 2/3 innings, with 84 pitches thrown, resulting in seven hits and three runs conceded. He struck out three and walked one. Reliever Chris Stratton took over in the fourth with runners on base, managing to escape the situation and provide 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing the Rangers to regain the lead.

However, a critical turning point occurred when reliever Josh Sborz surrendered the lead during the seventh inning, allowing a three-run home run by Carlos Santana. Left-hander Brock Burke replaced Sborz and secured an inning-ending double play. In the eighth, Burke conceded three runs, ultimately adding to the Rangers’ pitching struggles throughout the game, resulting in a total of nine runs and 14 hits surrendered to Milwaukee.

After being held hitless for the initial three innings, the Rangers broke their silence with two home runs in the fourth inning—a two-run blast by Nathaniel Lowe and a solo shot by Mitch Garver—tying the score at 3-3. The Rangers managed to take the lead in the sixth inning courtesy of Adolis García’s RBI single. However, their offensive efforts were sporadic against the Brewers’ pitching lineup for the majority of the game.

During the ninth inning, the Rangers staged a remarkable rally, narrowing the deficit despite being down by five runs. Although the team managed to cut the lead to one run with an RBI groundout by J.P. Martinez, an RBI double by Ezequiel Duran, an RBI double by Travis Jankowski, and an RBI groundout by Marcus Semien, their comeback fell just short.

The Rangers and Brewers are set to continue their series with a game scheduled for 3:05 p.m. on Saturday. Fans can catch the action on both Bally Sports Southwest and FS1. Rangers’ right-hander Dane Dunning (9-4, 3.10) is anticipated to face off against Brewers’ right-hander Freddy Peralta (9-8, 4.08) in the forthcoming matchup.