Final: Rangers 3, Red Sox 2 - Red Sox lose third game of series again struggling to get extra base hits

For the third game in a row, the Red Sox fall to the Texas Rangers 3-2 again struggling to record much needed extra base hits when it mattered most.

Richard Fitts took the mound for the Red Sox today, and he had a solid performance on the mound pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 earned runs. 

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the Rangers loaded up the bases against Fitts with no outs, and Ezeuquiel Duran recorded an RBI sac fly to give the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. Fitts was able to mitigate the damage in what could've turned out to be a disastrous inning.

On the hitting for Boston, the Red Sox struggled to get on base against former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. In 5 innings, deGrom struck out 6 batters and allowed 2 hits, and the righty ended his day after the 5th inning.

Fortunately for the Red Sox, they were able to finally produce runs after deGrom was taken out of the game. In the 6th inning, Wilyer Abreu lined an RBI double which tied the game, and right after Connor Wong brought home the second run on a fielding error at third base.

However, in the next inning, Fitts gave up two solo home runs which gave the Rangers the lead again.

For the rest of the game, the bats weren't producing for the Red Sox who went scoreless at the plate. Boston had a chance to tie the game in the 9th inning with runners on the corners, but Alex Bregman struck out to end the game and the series.

Another rough game at the plate for Boston's top of the order, specifically Rafael Devers who is now 0-16 on the season with 12 strike outs. At least he recorded a walk in the 9th inning and didn't become the final out in the situation.

Boston will now travel to Baltimore starting a series with the Orioles tomorrow. Sean Newcomb will take the mound for the Red Sox and first pitch will take place at 2:35 p.m.

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WHO: Red Sox (1-2) at Rangers (2-1)
WHEN: 2:35 p.m.
WHERE: Globe Life Field, Texas
SERIES TO DATE: (1-2), (1-2)
STARTING PITCHERS: RHP Richard Fitts vs. RHP Jacob deGrom
TV/RADIO: NESN, MLB Network, WEEI-FM 93.7

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Rafael Devers (L) DH
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Triston Casas (L) 1B
Kristian Campbell (R) 2B
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Connor Wong (R) C
David Hamilton (L) SS
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF

SP Richard Fitts

RANGERS

Marcus Semien (R) 2B
Wyatt Langford (R) LF
Joc Pederson (L) DH
Adolis García (R) RF
Jake Burger (R) 1B
Kyle Higashioka (R) C
Leody Taveras (S) CF
Jonathan Ornelas (R) SS
Ezequiel Duran (R) 3B

SP Jacob deGrom

WHAT'S UP

The Red Sox wrap up their Opening Day series against the Texas Rangers as Richard Fitts faces off against Jacob deGrom on the mound.

Rafael Devers is 0-for-12 with 10 strikeouts and one bases loaded walk in the Red Sox’ first three games. He’s the first major leaguer with 10 strikeouts in the first three games of a season, according to the Associated Press. 

Shortstop Trevor Story is being given the day off, with David Hamilton, who played second base Saturday night, moving over to short.