The Cincinnati Reds (3-3) travel to Globe Life Field to take on the Texas Rangers (4-2) in the first of a three-game interleague series, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM EDT on Thursday, April 3. Right-hander Brady Singer gets the ball for Cincinnati against Texas left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

Reds Looking to Snap Two-Game Skid

Cincinnati arrives in Arlington riding a two-game losing streak after dropping the final two games of their home series against Pittsburgh by identical 8-3 scores. The Reds' offense managed just 11 hits across those two losses, and the pitching staff surrendered 16 runs. A change of scenery could be exactly what this team needs.

Singer was strong in his season debut on March 28, keeping the Reds in the game long enough for the offense to deliver a dramatic 6-5 walkoff win over the Boston Red Sox in 11 innings. He will need a similar effort against a Rangers lineup that has been swinging the bats well early in the season.

Rangers Off to Strong Start

Texas enters at 4-2 and playing confident baseball at home in their climate-controlled ballpark. The Rangers have shown solid pitching depth and timely hitting through the first week, and they will look to take advantage of a Reds team that has yet to play a road game this season. Every contest so far for Cincinnati has been at Great American Ball Park, making this road trip an important early test.

Key Matchup: De La Cruz vs. Gore

Elly De La Cruz against a left-handed starter is the at-bat to watch. The Reds' electrifying shortstop has the kind of speed and power that can change a game in a single swing. If De La Cruz can get on base against Gore, it puts immediate pressure on the Rangers' defense and pitching staff.

What to Watch

Can the Reds' bullpen rebound after two rough outings? Will Singer go deep enough to give the taxed relievers a breather? And can the offense find its groove against Gore and snap out of the funk that plagued them against Pittsburgh? These are the questions that will define the opener in Arlington.