Dane Dunning pitched a one-hit shutout.

The Rangers bullpen held an eight-run lead.

These words might never be written again.

For only the third time this season, Dunning pitched into the seventh inning. But this was by far his most dominating game as a Ranger. Seven innings, one hit, six strikeouts, one walk. He was never in trouble. There was never a moment when it appeared the White Sox were even considering scoring a run. The Rangers didn’t even need to make any fancy plays to get out of jams.

It was about as smooth sailing as could be.

Then, since he went beyond the federally mandated maximum number of innings a Rangers starter is allowed to go, which is six, Dunning had to be removed.

That meant the Rangers bullpen was going to have to figure out a way to, somehow, preserve an eight-run lead. Three walks, a grand slam, three more walks, then another grand slam would do it. That was certainly within the realm of doable for Ranger relievers.

But Taylor Hearn managed to come in and shut down the White Sox, giving up just one double.

And in the end, the Rangers shut out Chicago 8-0.

Dane Dunning pitched a one-hit shutout.

The Rangers bullpen held an eight-run lead.

That had to be repeated. It’s almost too unbelievable to fathom.

*****