Texas scored three in the top of the ninth to pull out another come-from-behind win, 4-3, over Colorado in Denver. Beltre led off the ninth with a single, then was erased on an Odor fielder’s choice. Profar walked. Odor and Profar pulled off a double steal. Elvis singled both of them in. Moreland doubled in Elvis. This was another fun game in a season of filled with thrills.

*****

BANISTER STEALS ONE IN THE NINTH.
Originally published August 9, 2016.

The Rangers played the waiting game once again last night.

Get dominated by a rookie starting pitcher for seven innings and wait until he is taken out, then go to work on the new guy.

For the Rangers, a relief pitcher is someone who gives them relief from a dominating starter.

And for the fifth time this season (best in baseball), Texas won a game it went into the ninth inning trailing.

The key was a brilliant call by Jeff Banister. With one out and two on in the ninth, down two and desperately trying to keep out of a double play situation, he called for a daring double steal. Chalk this one up to brilliant scouting and taking advantage of an opportune situation.

Banister knew that Rockies reliever Carlos Estevez was slow to the plate early in the count. So he went for it.

On the first pitch, he called for the double steal. Odor broke for third, Profar for second. The next batter, Elvis Andrus, singled them both home. And just like that, the Rangers tied it in the ninth and broke the resolve of the Rockies closer.

Mitch Moreland doubled in Andrus and the Rangers swiped victory out of the jaws of defeat.

The Rangers experienced another bullpen meltdown. This time it wasn’t theirs.