The World Series champion Texas Rangers kicked off the season with an exciting 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs, thanks to Jonah Heim’s game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning. The Rangers, who unveiled their first championship banner before the game, got a boost from home runs by Adolis García and Travis Jankowski.
The game went into extra innings after a back-and-forth battle, with the Cubs using Drew Smyly as their seventh pitcher in the 10th inning. Smyly struggled, walking two batters to load the bases for the Rangers. Heim came through in the clutch, delivering a sharp hit into right-center field to bring home the winning run.
Jankowski also played a key role in the game, hitting a pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning to tie the game. The Cubs had briefly taken the lead in the top of the ninth on a controversial play involving Heim, but Jankowski’s heroics kept the Rangers in the game. It was a thrilling start to the season for the Rangers, who showed they are ready to defend their championship title.