Texas Rangers Routed by Braves in Prospect's Debut

The Texas Rangers opened up a six-game homestand with an interleague loss to the Atlanta Braves.

The first MLB start for Cody Bradford likely will never be forgotten, especially by family and friends, but the Texas Rangers will gladly move on after getting pounded by the Atlanta Braves 12-0 Monday night at Globe Life Field.

The pitching prospect, called up early in the day from Triple-A Round Rock, made a spot appearance to give the regular rotation an extra day of rest. Bradford, a native of nearby Aledo and a Baylor product, had plenty of support in the stands.

The AL West-leading Rangers (25-16) just didn’t offer any with their bats.

Not that it mattered on a night where the Braves (26-15) drilled five two-run home runs, two each off Bradford and reliever Cole Ragans. Backup catcher Sandy Leon also allowed a two-run shot to Ronald Acuna Jr. in the ninth.

Atlanta starter Charlie Morton worked 6 2/3 scoreless innings, scattering seven hits and striking out 10 to improve to 5-3.

Bradford, 25, is the 26th-ranked prospect in the Texas organization. He was 5-1 at Round Rock and the reigning Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Month.

But Bradford is now 0-1 in the Majors after giving up six runs in five innings on seven hits and two walks.

Texas returned to Arlington for six games after a successful 7-3 road trip on the west coast, winning divisional series at the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics. The Rangers dropped to 12-7 at home.

Despite the loss, the Rangers are still tied for the third-best start in club history after 41 games. It’s also the best start since being 27-14 in 2013.

The three-game series continues Tuesday night with Dane Dunning (3-0, 1.72) on the hill for Texas. Atlanta hasn’t named a starter. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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