Texas Rangers Lose Josh Smith, Fall to Orioles

The Texas Rangers had their three-game winning streak to open the season snapped by the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field.

ARLINGTON, Texas – The season-opening winning streak ended for the Texas Rangers, but that was hardly the concern Monday night at Globe Life Field.

Left fielder Josh Smith was taken to an area hospital after getting hit in the face by a pitch in the third inning of the Rangers’ 2-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Smith received further medical testing on his face and jaw, according to the Rangers public relations department.

That frightening incident wasn’t the only one in the game. The 89-mph sinker that drilled Smith was thrown by Orioles reliever Danny Coulombe, who entered the game after starter Kyle Bradish was struck by a line drive. Rangers catcher Jonah Heim drilled a 104-mph liner off Bradish’s right foot.

The Rangers (3-1) started the season by sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies at home. The offensive barrage early against the defending National League champs – Texas totaled 27 runs through two games – has dissipated over the last two.

The Rangers did beat Philly 2-1 to complete the sweep, but followed that up with their first scoreless game of the young season.

That came at the expense of Texas starter Jon Gray, whose first turn in the rotation proved solid in a losing effort. The veteran righty went 6 1/3 innings, gave up two runs – solo shots by Jorge Mateo and Gunnar Henderson – and struck out seven.

The Rangers managed just one hit – Josh Jung’s infield single in the second.

Texas sends Andrew Heaney to the mound Tuesday night, while Baltimore (2-2) counters with Tyler Wells. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

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