Texas Rangers fans across the Metroplex took to Twitter on Sunday just after Joe Nathan entered the game in the bottom of the 11th inning after A.J. Pierzynski's pinch-hit single scored pinch-hitter Elvis Andrus in the top of the 11th seemingly setting the Rangers up for a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.
That thought didn't last long though as Nathan's first pitch of the inning, a grooved fastball right down the chute, was sent over the right-field wall by Raul Ibanez and two innings later the Rangers lost the game in the 13th inning.
The blown save for Nathan was his first of the year (he'd converted 16 straight) and it snapped a ridiculously long road save streak of more than 30 games.
Many in Rangers Nation seem to think the Rangers should ditch Nathan as their closer given his tendency to make every save opportunity interesting with a leadoff hit or two before shutting the door, but they forget that other than Mariano Rivera, Nathan is the most consistent closer in the history of the game, statistically speaking.
Plus, one out of every 16 save chances being blown is a pretty good ratio, especially when you look around the game at some of the perceived top closers (Fernando Rodney, Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman) and the struggles they've had this season, at times.
Stick with Nathan, Rangers fans, he's pretty good.
