Rangers' MacKenzie Gore Strikes Out 7 in Debut Win Over Phillies

Former Nationals pitcher dominates in first start for Texas, as Brandon Nimmo and Andrew McCutchen homer in 8-3 victory.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:42pm

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MacKenzie Gore struck out seven batters in his first start for the Texas Rangers, leading the team to an 8-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Gore tossed five hitless innings before giving up a leadoff single in the sixth. Brandon Nimmo and Andrew McCutchen both homered to provide offensive support for the Rangers, who took two of three games in the series.

Why it matters

The Rangers are hoping Gore can provide a boost to their starting rotation after acquiring him in an offseason trade from the Washington Nationals. His strong debut performance is an encouraging sign as the team looks to build on last season and challenge for a playoff spot in the AL West.

The details

Gore fanned Phillies star Bryce Harper with the bases loaded in the sixth inning before exiting the game after hitting Alec Bohm with a pitch. The Rangers' bullpen closed out the victory. Nimmo, a former Mets outfielder, hit a two-run homer in the second inning off Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo. McCutchen, also in his first season with Texas, added a three-run shot in the fourth to give the Rangers a 5-0 lead.

  • Gore made his first start for the Rangers on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Rangers and Phillies played a three-game series over the weekend of March 29, 2026.

The players

MacKenzie Gore

A 27-year-old left-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Texas Rangers in an offseason trade with the Washington Nationals. He is making his debut for the Rangers after spending the past three seasons with the Nationals.

Brandon Nimmo

An outfielder in his first season with the Texas Rangers after playing for the New York Mets for the past seven years.

Andrew McCutchen

A veteran outfielder who is also in his first season with the Texas Rangers after spending time with several other MLB teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies.

Jesús Luzardo

The starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in this game.

Bryce Harper

A star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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What’s next

The Rangers will send RHP Jack Leiter to the mound on Monday when they open a three-game series at Baltimore. The Phillies will continue their homestand and send RHP Taijuan Walker to the mound on Monday against Washington LHP Foster Griffin.

The takeaway

Gore's strong debut performance provides optimism for the Rangers' starting rotation and their chances of challenging for a playoff spot this season. The team's offseason acquisitions of Nimmo and McCutchen have also paid early dividends, giving the lineup more power and depth.