(Baltimore) For the first time since the start of the series, the Rangers’ next generation had to protect a slim lead at the end of the match.
Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and José Leclerc bent, without ever breaking.
Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning helped the Rangers reach the sixth inning early, then the Texas team survived tough times in a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday in Game 1 of their series sections of the American League.
“The relievers did a very good job,” noted manager Bruce Bochy. It was sometimes complicated, but they found solutions. »
Josh Jung homered and made a nice play at third base to start an important double play for the Rangers, who have won their three games since the start of the series – all on the road.
After squandering an opportunity to win the AFC West title on the final day of the regular season, the Rangers entered the playoffs without Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer and had a bullpen considered the weak link. . However, they allowed just three runs in three games against the Tampa Bay Rays and Orioles.
The end of the games was not particularly nerve-wracking against the Rays. The Rangers swept the series winning both games by a combined score of 11-1. It was different against the Orioles.
Heaney limited the Orioles to one run and two hits in 3 2/3 innings. Dunning replaced him and worked two innings, allowing one run in the sixth. Will Smith, Sborz, Chapman and Leclerc joined forces to force the final 10 outs, not without difficulty.
Sborz threw seven straight balls to start the seventh, but escaped unscathed. Chapman walked the first two batters in the eighth before Jung came to the rescue with a nice play to start a 5-4-3 double play. Chapman then struck out Ryan Mountcastle to end the inning with a runner on third base.
Leclerc was credited with a save. He first allowed a single to Gunnar Henderson to start the ninth. Catcher Jonah Heim, however, retired Henderson in a steal attempt. Leclerc then closed the books.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde didn’t look happy in the dugout after Henderson’s attempted steal.
“There was a little miscommunication,” Hyde said simply.
Kyle Bradish struck out nine batters in 4 2/3 innings for the Orioles, but he allowed two runs in the fourth and took the loss. Jung and Anthony Santander traded solo homers in the sixth.