The Chicago Cubs kicked off the 2024 season with a back-and-forth matchup against the Texas Rangers on Thursday night. It was a hard-fought 10-inning affair, but the Cubs eventually lost 4-3 to the reigning World Series champions.
Tale of the Tape
Christopher Morel kickstarted the Cubs in the second inning by smacking a triple off the left-field wall. Dansby Swanson followed with a sacrifice fly to score the Cubs’ designated hitter to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
After the Rangers tied things up in the fourth inning, Cody Bellinger responded with an RBI double in the sixth. Bellinger's extra-base knock scored Seiya Suzuki, who also doubled, to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead.
With the score tied in the ninth inning, thanks to Adolis Garcia's sixth-inning solo homer, Cubs’ newcomer Michael Busch scored on a questionable passed ball call that gave the North Siders a 3-2 lead.
However, Rangers’ outfielder Travis Jankowski tied the game again in the bottom of the ninth with a leadoff pinch-hit home run off Cubs' closer Adbert Alzolay, sending the contest to extra innings.
Jonah Heim eventually sealed the deal in the 10th inning with a walk-off single to give the Rangers a 4-3 win.
The Cubs’ offense finished with six hits, including four extra-base hits. Morel led the Cubs’ charge with two hits, including a triple and a run scored.
Justin Steele Injury Update
Left-hander Justin Steele took the mound for the Cubs and was well on his way to a quality start until a scary hamstring injury knocked him out of the game in the fifth inning.
Speaking on his injury postgame, Steele said he'll know more Friday after undergoing an MRI.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs are off Friday before continuing their three-game opening series against the Rangers on Saturday. Righty veteran Kyle Hendricks will take the ball for the Cubs in what will be his first outing of the season. The Rangers have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Saturday’s matchup.
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