ARLINGTON, Texas — Robbie Grossman hit his first home run with the Texas Rangers as part of a fourth-inning rally that erased a five-run lead by the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Rangers were down 5-0 after the Phillies chased starter Jacob deGrom.
Corey Seager led off the inning with the Rangers’ first hit of the game, a single to center field off Phillies starter Aaron Nola. Seager went to second on Nathaniel Lowe's ground out.
Adolis García followed with a single and rookie Josh Jung drew a walk to load the bases. Jonah Heim put two runs on the board with a double down the right-field line.
Grossman then stepped in to face Nola and the fireworks went off.
Grossman, hitting from the left side of the plate, launched a 2-0 pitch from Nola in the Rangers bullpen, tying the game at 5-5. The Rangers would score four more time for a 9-5 advantage going into the fifth.
The Rangers signed Grossman just after Spring Training began in the hopes that he would win the starting job in left field. Grossman did win that job. But on Thursday he started in right field due to Leody Taveras’ move to the injured list, which slid García to center field. Josh Smith started in left.
More From SI’s Inside The Rangers:
- Texas Rangers MVP in 2023?
- Predicting Texas Rangers 2023 Record
- Jose Altuve Injury Potentially Helps Texas Rangers Playoff Chances
- MLB Plan for Television Texas Rangers
- Why did Bochy Tab deGrom for Opening Day?
- Bally Sports Southwest to Televise Nearly All Rangers Games
- Texas Rangers to Wear Nike City Connect Jerseys for First Time
- Texas Rangers Unveil Exciting New Ballpark Food
- Rangers Believe They're as Good as Astros, Dodgers
- Rangers Rotation Set Behind Jacob deGrom
More must-reads: