The Texas Rangers welcome the Athletics to Globe Life Field on Wednesday, September 2, for a 2:35 PM ET first pitch. Cody Bradford gets the ball for Texas against Oakland's Jacob Lopez in a regular season afternoon game with September stakes on the line. With the calendar flipping to the final month of the season, every game in the standings carries real weight, and the Rangers will look to take care of business in front of their home crowd in Arlington.
Pitching Matchup: Cody Bradford vs. Jacob Lopez
Bradford draws the start for the Rangers. The left-hander has been a part of Texas's rotation and will be tasked with keeping an Athletics lineup quiet enough for the offense to do its work. Bradford's ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games will be a factor worth tracking in a day game environment where the Rangers need innings from their starter.
Opposing him is Jacob Lopez for the Athletics. Lopez is a name worth watching as he lines up against a Texas lineup that can do damage when it gets into a groove. How Lopez handles the middle of the Rangers order early in the game could set the tone for the entire afternoon.
Keys to Watch for the Rangers
- Bradford's command: In a rotation that needs reliable length, Bradford keeping his pitch count manageable and avoiding big innings will be the top priority on the pitching side.
- Early offense: Day games at Globe Life Field can be tricky, and getting to a starter early tends to snowball. The Rangers need to put pressure on Lopez from the first inning.
- Bullpen management: With September call-ups expanding rosters, Texas has options in relief. Smart deployment of those arms behind Bradford could be the difference in a close game.
- Capitalizing on Athletics mistakes: Oakland is a young, developing club. The Rangers need to take advantage of any defensive miscues or walks, which tend to pile up against less experienced pitching staffs.
Broadcast Information
Wednesday's game can be seen locally on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, and is also available on NBCSCA. Radio coverage is on 105.3 The Fan in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with Spanish-language coverage on KFLC 1270.
Prediction
This is a game the Rangers should win at home. Bradford is a capable arm who gives Texas a chance to control the game, and Lopez is unproven enough at this level that the Rangers lineup should find openings. Look for Texas to grab an early lead and not look back. Rangers win, 5-2.
