The Cincinnati Reds (3-3) travel to Globe Life Field to open a series against the Texas Rangers (4-2) on Thursday, April 3, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM EDT. Right-hander Brady Singer takes the ball for Cincinnati against left-hander MacKenzie Gore in a matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions after the first week of the 2026 season.

Probable Pitchers

Brady Singer will make his second start of the season for the Reds after taking the mound in the team's dramatic 6-5, 11-inning walkoff win over Boston on March 28. Singer battled through a tough Red Sox lineup and kept the Reds in the game long enough for the offense to deliver the walkoff blow. He will look to build on that effort against a Rangers lineup that has been productive through its first six games.

MacKenzie Gore gets the call for Texas. The left-hander will look to continue the Rangers' strong early-season form, as Texas has won four of its first six games and sits comfortably in the AL West standings.

Keys to the Game

Cincinnati needs to reset its offensive approach after being held to a combined 11 hits in back-to-back 8-3 losses to Pittsburgh. The Reds' lineup has the talent — Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson form a formidable core — but that talent has not translated to consistent production through six games. Getting to Gore early and establishing an offensive rhythm will be critical for a lineup searching for its identity.

On the pitching side, Singer needs to go deep into the game and keep the bullpen fresh. The Reds' relief corps was worked hard during the Pittsburgh series, and a quality start from Singer would give the taxed arms a much-needed breather heading into the weekend.

Rangers' Early Season Form

Texas enters at 4-2 and playing with confidence at Globe Life Field. The Rangers have shown solid pitching depth and timely hitting through the first week, and they will have the advantage of playing at home in their climate-controlled ballpark. Cincinnati has not played a road game yet in 2026 — every contest so far has been at Great American Ball Park — so adjusting to a new environment adds another layer to the challenge.

The Bigger Picture

This series is about more than just the Rangers. After dropping two straight to Pittsburgh, the Reds need to prove they can respond to adversity away from home. A strong showing in Texas would demonstrate the kind of resilience this young team showed in the 11-inning walkoff win over Boston — and put the Pittsburgh meltdown firmly in the rearview mirror.

With Hunter Greene's elbow MRI hanging over the rotation and the NL Central already tightening up behind a 5-1 Milwaukee start, every game matters. The Reds cannot afford to let a two-game losing streak become a four-game slide.

Game Details

First pitch is set for 4:05 PM EDT at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Brady Singer (CIN) faces MacKenzie Gore (TEX) in the series opener.