Max Scherzer took the bump for the first time as a Texas Ranger on Thursday afternoon, looking to help his new club complete the sweep of the White Sox. And he did just that (eventually) in the Rangers' 5-3 win.
Scherzer's debut got off to a rocky start, as he allowed three runs on three hits and two walks in the first inning, but the right-hander settled down and allowed only four hits over the next five innings before exiting with a quality start. He struck out 9.
After Scherzer exited, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy deployed Josh Sbroz, Aroldis Chapman and Will Smith in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings. The trio struck out five and allowed two hits in three scoreless innings of work.
Despite being out-hit nine to eight, the Rangers were able to do more damage with their opportunities. Rangers catcher Mitch Garver led the way with a home run and an RBI single, while Marcus Semien went deep for the second consecutive game.
