Rangers’ Bullpen Overcomes Challenges to Secure 3-2 Win Over Orioles in ALDS Opener

In Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday, the Texas Rangers eked out a narrow 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, thanks in part to contributions from Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning, who navigated the team into the sixth inning with an advantage. The Rangers’ oft-criticized bullpen subsequently managed to maintain that lead despite several tense moments.

Josh Jung made significant contributions both offensively and defensively for Texas, hitting a home run and initiating a crucial double play. This win extended the Rangers’ undefeated streak in the current playoffs to three games, all of which have been away from home.

Although the Rangers led the AL West for much of the regular season, they lost the division title in the final weekend. Despite entering the postseason without key pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, and burdened with a bullpen widely seen as a vulnerability, they have so far conceded only three runs in three playoff games against the Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Heaney limited the Orioles to a single run and two hits over 3 2/3 innings. Dunning took over from him, pitching two innings and surrendering one run in the sixth. The remaining 10 outs were secured by Will Smith, Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman, and José Leclerc, although not without moments of suspense.

Sborz commenced the seventh inning with seven consecutive balls but managed to work his way out of a leadoff walk. In the eighth inning, Chapman walked the first two batters before Jung’s stellar defensive play initiated a 5-4-3 double play. Chapman subsequently struck out Ryan Mountcastle with a runner positioned at third, ending the inning.

Leclerc earned the save, despite allowing a leadoff single in the ninth inning to Gunnar Henderson. All-Star catcher Jonah Heim promptly threw Henderson out as he attempted to steal second base, after which Baltimore failed to produce another baserunner. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde seemed visibly displeased with Henderson’s choice to attempt the steal.

Orioles’ pitcher Kyle Bradish struck out nine batters over 4 2/3 innings but was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in the fourth inning. Both teams exchanged solo home runs in the sixth inning, courtesy of Jung and Anthony Santander.

The Rangers have had to make do without deGrom and left Scherzer off their ALDS roster due to lingering shoulder issues. Nonetheless, their pitching staff has proven resilient. Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi previously stifled the Rays in the Wild Card Series, and the Heaney-Dunning combination provided the Rangers with another opportunity for victory.

The AL East has had a disappointing start to the postseason. The Orioles, who won 101 games and secured a division title this year, now trail in their playoff opener. This follows sweeps of Tampa Bay and Toronto in the first round.

Camden Yards hosted its first playoff game since 2014, attracting a large crowd adorned in orange. Former Orioles star Adam Jones threw the inaugural pitch, while Joan Jett performed the national anthem. The atmosphere remained upbeat as Bradish struck out five in the opening two innings.

Offensively for Texas, Adolis García and Evan Carter hit back-to-back doubles to take a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, followed by an RBI single from Heim. Ryan Mountcastle recorded an RBI double for the Orioles, but Dunning entered the game and preserved the Rangers’ lead.

A critical moment for Texas occurred in the seventh inning when Sborz, after issuing a four-pitch leadoff walk to Aaron Hicks, rebounded with a 3-0 count to retire Adam Frazier on a flyball and then struck out Cedric Mullins and pinch-hitter Ryan O’Hearn.

Earlier in the game, Texas squandered an opportunity to widen their lead. They had loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth inning, but Bradish struck out Marcus Semien, resulting in Texas leaving a total of 10 runners stranded.

Trainer’s Room

Rangers: Max Scherzer remains unavailable for the series, even after participating in a workout on Friday. He has been out of action since September 12.

Orioles: Baltimore was compelled to omit left-handed pitcher John Means, a potential starter for Game 3, from the roster due to elbow issues.

Upcoming Matches

Jordan Montgomery is slated to start Game 2 for the Rangers against Orioles rookie Grayson Rodriguez on Sunday. Montgomery previously pitched seven scoreless innings against the Rays, while Rodriguez recorded a post-All-Star break ERA of 2.58.

For further MLB updates, please visit AP MLB.

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