Rangers Late Rally Sinks Mariners

Texas starting pitcher Alexi Ogando returned from paternity leave to have one of his worst outings ever.  Ogando gave up 6 runs in just 2 2/3 innings as the Seattle Mariners jumped ahead of the Rangers 6-3. 

The Rangers bullpen kept Texas in the game by combining for 6 1/3 scoreless innings until the offense could get on track.

The Rangers rally began in the seventh inning, as Ian Kinsler belted a two-run home run to left field to bring Texas within one run.   In the eighth, Nelson Cruz, after a walk, stole second base after a failed pickoff attempt.  Yorvit Torrealba sent him home with a double to tie the game. 

With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Ian Kinsler drew a walk and was advanced to second base on a bunt single by Endy Chavez.  Josh Hamilton then hit a walk-off single which brought Kinsler in for the victory.

Rangers manager Ron Washington was elated with the rally, “They play nine innings and never think they’re out of a ballgame,” Washington said. “We’re able to put runs on the board, and that’s the way we feel. Once again, we certainly don’t want to keep putting ourselves in that position, but if we find ourselves in that position, we know what we’re capable of doing. We just keep putting at-bats together, continuing to grind, and when you do that, good things happen, and that’s what happened tonight.”

The Rangers are a game and a half ahead of the Angels.  Texas will host Seattle again tonight while the Angels travel to the Yankees.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares