So, what was that ninth inning? Signs of life? Or just a fluke?

Yes, it came against a bad team. But so are the Rangers. Only one team has a worse road record than Texas and that was the team they were playing. At home. 

After scoring two runs in the second, the Rangers did their typical folding of the tent act and gave up for the next six innings. When the Rangers bullpen caved as it has so often lately, and the White Sox took a 3-2 lead in the sixth, it looked like a sweep was eminent. Rarer than Rangers ability to score more than two runs is their ability to score runs late, to come from behind. It just doesn’t happen.

Luckily they are playing the one team that blows sixty percent of its save opportunities.

Somehow, the Rangers scored three runs. But it took the White Sox giving it to them on a platter for them to take it. After having runners on second and third with no outs, Alejandro Osuna struck out for the first out. Another failed attempt to capitalize on runners in scoring position was underway when Kyle Higashioka grounded meekly to third. Luckily their third baseman bobbled the ball, and when he recovered and threw it to first for the easy out, their first baseman wasn’t standing on first. They tying run scored on a gift. 

To the surprise of every man, woman, and child in Rangers Nation, Adolis Garcia followed with a double to score two runs and the Rangers took a rare, unlikely lead. 

Of course, the bullpen tried desperately to give it away. But the White Sox wouldn’t allow it, getting the tying run picked off second. When their .086 hitter smacked on to the warning track, Osuna pulled it in. 

The Rangers had won. They were spared the indignity of being swept by the lowly White Sox. 

*****