A few early runs were enough for a win
The Texas Rangers scored three runs while the Chicago White Sox scored one run.
Texas got one run each in the first, third, and fifth innings. Not exactly 16 runs. Therefore, it was back on the arms to carry things tonight. With the Rangers still awaiting the return of Nathan Eovaldi, the bullpen donned the Peagle and took up the task of representing Texas on the mound.
Shawn Armstrong was tonight’s “starter,” and he went three spotless innings with five strikeouts. Jacob Webb followed and allowed the first baserunner of the night — a two-out infield hit — but otherwise tossed two scoreless innings. Luke Jackson was next and he also contributed a scoreless frame.
It wasn’t until the seventh inning, and pitcher No. 4 for Texas, that things got a little scary on this Friday the 13th. Hoby Milner allowed three White Sox hits and a run while recording just one out before Chris Martin came in and put out the fire to keep the score 3-1.
Cole Winn cruised through the eighth. The former first-rounder has not allowed a run in eight appearances this season now spanning ten innings. Finally, Robert Garcia tried his darnedest to sully to good name of the bullpen by loading the bases in the ninth, but he was able to work out of danger and pick up the save.
All told, seven members of the bullpen put together a line of 9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB 9 K. That’s a spirited effort for a group with a difficult task, even if it was against the White Sox. Because of that effort, the Rangers were winners to open their homestand.
Player of the Game: While the bullpen as a whole deserves the praise for the win tonight, the non-arm that showed up biggest for the Rangers tonight was leadoff hitter Josh Smith. Smith went 2-for-3 with a walk and a home run while scoring each of Texas’ three tallies.
Up Next: The Rangers and White Sox will be back at it tomorrow with RHP Jacob deGrom set to pitch for Texas against a pitcher to be named for Chicago.
The Saturday afternoon first pitch from The Shed is set for 3:05 pm CT and will be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.