Brewers Blast Rangers in Opener

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers dropped their series opener to the Milwaukee Brewers, 9-8, on Friday Night at Globe Life Field.

Milwaukee's Carlos Santana hit a three-run home run off Rangers reliever Josh Sborz (5-5) in the seventh inning to put the Brewers ahead for good. 

The Rangers were down five runs in their final at-bat and scored four times, forcing the Brewers to bring in their closer, Devin Williams (29) to get the save.

The Rangers (72-50) lost, but they didn't lose ground in the American League West race, as the Houston Astros fell to the Seattle Mariners, 2-0. The Rangers maintained their 2 1/2-game lead. But, the Mariners are also just five games back of the Rangers. 

Rangers starter Andrew Heaney was unable to get out of the fourth inning and the bullpen couldn't hold a one-run Rangers lead. 

Brewers (66-57) starter Brandon Woodruff didn't factor in the decision. Milwaukee's Elvis Peguero (3-4) got the win.