Tyler Stephenson's late homer leads Reds past Rangers in series opener

Cincinnati moves back into the win column with a big victory over Texas.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game, with sharp angles and overlapping planes representing the back-and-forth nature of the contest.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic late-inning heroics that led the Cincinnati Reds to victory over the Texas Rangers.Cincinnati Today

In a back-and-forth game, Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the top of the 9th inning to give the Reds a 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers in the series opener. Spencer Steer also hit a 2-run homer earlier in the game for the Reds.

Why it matters

The Reds were looking to bounce back after a slow start to the season, and this win over the Rangers helps them move back into the win column. Stephenson's late heroics provided the difference in a close game between the two teams.

The details

The Reds opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd inning when Spencer Steer hit a 2-run homer off Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore. The Rangers tied it up with a run in the 5th and 6th innings to make it 3-3. In the top of the 9th, Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson came through with a go-ahead 2-run homer off Rangers reliever Chris Martin to give Cincinnati the 5-3 lead. Reds closer Emilio Pagan then shut the door in the bottom of the 9th to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • Stephenson's go-ahead homer came in the top of the 9th inning.

The players

Tyler Stephenson

The Reds' starting catcher, who hit the game-winning 2-run homer in the 9th inning.

Spencer Steer

The Reds' infielder, who hit a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning to open the scoring for Cincinnati.

MacKenzie Gore

The Rangers' starting pitcher, who gave up the 2-run homer to Steer in the 2nd inning.

Chris Martin

The Rangers' relief pitcher, who gave up the go-ahead 2-run homer to Stephenson in the 9th inning.

Emilio Pagan

The Reds' closer, who pitched a perfect 9th inning to secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Tyler Stephenson's late homer leads Reds past Rangers in series opener”

— Wick Terrell, Author

What’s next

The Reds and Rangers will continue their series on Saturday, with Rhett Lowder taking the mound for Cincinnati against Kumar Rocker of the Rangers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET.

The takeaway

This win provides a much-needed boost for the Reds, who were looking to get back on track after a slow start to the season. Stephenson's late heroics were the difference, and the Reds will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Rangers.