Ian Happ's 4 hits, bases-loaded walk lead Cubs over Rangers 9-5
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI single against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on March 31, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) (Getty Images )
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Ian Happ tied his career high with four hits and drew a tiebreaking bases-loaded walk from José Leclerc in a four-run ninth inning, helping the Chicago Cubs beat the Texas Rangers 9-5 on Sunday to salvage the finale of their opening three-game series.
With the score 4-4, Leclerc (0-1) walked Michael Busch with one out, allowed Nico Hoerner's swinging-bunt single down the third-base line and walked Mike Tauchman.
Miles Mastrobuoni grounded into a forceout at the plate, Happ walked on a full-count fastball that sailed wide and Seiya Suzuki greeted Jacob Latz with a two-run single. Cody Bellinger singled in the final run.
Héctor Neris (1-0) pitched a one-hit eighth.
Texas pitchers walked nine while allowing 12 hits.
Christopher Morel hit a three-run homer in the first off Jon Gray, who allowed five runs - four earned - seven hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings.
Marcus Semien hit a two-run single in the second against Jordan Wicks. Happ had an RBI double in the fourth, with another run scoring for a 5-2 lead when center fielder Leody Taveras misplayed the ball for an error.
Semien hit an RBI double in the fourth and scored on rookie Wyatt Langford's tying two-run triple that one-hopped the 410-foot sign in center.
Wicks gave up five runs - two earned, - five hits and three walks in four innings. Cubs starters pitcher 12 1/3 innings in the series.
UP NEXT
Cubs: LHP Shōta Imanaga will start the team's home opener on Monday against Colorado RHP Dakota Hudson.
Rangers: RHP Dan Dunning will start Monday night's game at Tampa Bay, where last year's Rangers began an 11-0 postseason road run that culminated in their World Series title. Dunning will face RHP Ryan Pepiot, acquired in December from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tyler Glasnow trade.