Texas-size surprise: The Rangers are 3-0

The Texas Rangers are 3-0 for the first time since 1996. Marlon Byrd and Ian Kinsler hit long home runs and the Rangers completed their season-opening series sweep, out-slugging the Cleveland Indians, 12-8, on Thursday.

Byrd’s homer was a three-run shot that capped a five-run first off Carl Pavano (0-1), making his first start for Cleveland after being a free-agent bust with the Yankees the previous four seasons. Byrd matched a career high with five runs batted in.

Texas started 7-0 in ’96 when it went on to win its first AL West title.

Cleveland hit five home runs, including two by Grady Sizemore, but couldn’t rally from an early 9-1 deficit.