Max Scherzer shines in Rangers' 4-0 win over Royals for season debut

In a dominating performance, three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer made a stellar season debut for the Texas Rangers by retiring 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings. The Rangers went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0, completing a three-game series sweep. Rookie Wyatt Langford extended his RBI streak to five games, while José Ureña pitched the final four innings for his first save, helping the Rangers secure their fourth consecutive win and extend their scoreless innings streak to 22, the longest since 2016. Scherzer, who struck out four and allowed only one hit with no walks, showcased his pitching prowess with a fastball consistently in the 92-94 mph range. His performance earned him his 3,371st career strikeout, matching Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux for 11th on MLB's career list. The Royals, on the other hand, struggled offensively, being shut out for the fourth time this season, including the last two games in Texas. The Rangers' victory was fueled by Langford's RBI double and Josh Smith's home run, securing their fourth consecutive win and matching their season-high record. The Royals, despite ending a tough road trip, maintained a solid overall record of 42-37, showing significant improvement from the previous season. Scherzer's return to the mound after a World Series exit last year due to back tightness was met with anticipation and excitement, as he delivered a stellar performance for the Rangers. Scherzer's comeback was a testament to his resilience and determination, having undergone surgery for a herniated disk and dealt with a nerve issue during his rehab. His return marked a significant moment for the Rangers, who have high hopes for his contributions to the team. With Scherzer's impressive performance and the team's recent winning streak, the Rangers look poised for a strong showing as they continue their season.