On Sunday evening, at an empty Globe Life Field, Cody Bradford found himself on the pitcher’s mound alongside his wife, Madi, envisioning his major league debut for his hometown team.

However, sometimes reality doesn’t quite match the visualization. Growing up in Aledo, Bradford had always dreamed of pitching at the outdoor park just across the street. Additionally, he hadn’t anticipated the Atlanta Braves breaking out of their offensive slump by capitalizing on a couple of misplaced pitches over the heart of the plate.

The Braves managed to hit two home runs off Bradford in five innings, contributing to their 12-0 victory. Despite the disappointment, Bradford can take solace in the fact that Cole Ragans, who entered the game after him, also surrendered two home runs.

“It’s not the debut anyone imagines,” Bradford remarked. “But I had an incredible opportunity to pitch for my hometown team in front of family and friends.” Bradford, known for his precise command on the mound, issued a walk to the leadoff batter, Ronald Acuña Jr., and then surrendered two home runs within a span of four batters in the second inning, including a 453-foot blast by Acuña.

He began the fifth inning by walking the ninth hitter and subsequently allowed two consecutive doubles, resulting in a six-run deficit. However, there’s another perspective to consider. In this scenario, Bradford provided the Rangers with what they needed most: an extra day of rest for the starting rotation. With a stretch of 13 consecutive games, the Rangers aimed to afford their hard-working starters some additional rest. Both Dane Dunning and Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound with five days’ rest for the final two games of the series against Atlanta.