Back when they were dominating, in 2015 and 2016, and even going back to ancient times in the far far past, 2010 and 2011, the Rangers played games like that.
Keep it close. Hang around until the other team gifted you the benefit of pulling their dominating starter, then pounce.
They weren’t the most exciting of games but they were necessary filler on the road to accumulating wins and winning the West.
The Rangers aren’t going to win the West this year but they are going to win at a much more rapid pace than they did last year. They are better. They are getting better. And games like their 4-1 win over Oakland last night are a big step in the right direction.
Texas got another strong start from don’t-wake-me-up-from-this-dream Martin Perez. He followed his complete game shutout last time out with seven innings, giving up only one run, on a pitch that Jonah Heim should have easily caught that went for a wild pitch but was really a passed ball.
Oakland’s Frankie Montas was equally dominating. When Perez came out of the game, it was 1-1. Montas went seven as well. So, the last two innings were up to the bullpens.
The Rangers pounced for three runs in the eighth, then held on. It was an uneventful win. The kind of game when someone asks, “What happened in last night’s game?” and you say, “I don’t remember, nothing really.” Because nothing much happened. Marcus Semien, as per usual, followed his two-hit night with another 0-for. Adolis Garcia doubled twice. Nathanial Lowe, fighting to stay relevant and employeed as the Texas Rangers first baseman, homered. And Joe Barlow come in and shut them down in the ninth.
Rangers fans will take boring wins like that over the thrilling almost losses any day.
*****