The Rangers' strength heading into the season was undoubtedly its bullpen, and that was going to be counted upon to bolster a questionable starting rotation behind Cole Hamels.
Of course, two of the first three games were lost by the bullpen and the Rangers' starting rotation entered the current Baltimore series with the best ERA in the American League, so what does anyone know?
Well, the Orioles found out on Thursday night that the Rangers' pen is right back on track.
It all started in the sixth inning when Baltimore had a 3-1 lead, two runners on base and one out when Cole Hamels was pulled out of the game in favor of Tom Wilhelmsen. Two quick pitches, one easy double play, and the Rangers were out of the inning.
After the offense put up five runs in the bottom of the sixth, the Rangers went to the winning pieces of the bullpen, and it was on.
Keone Kela worked the seventh inning, allowing one hit with two strikeouts. Sam Dyson worked the eighth and walked a guy but didn't up have a hit and had one strikeout. Then, it was #TollyTime, and he did his usual messing around to give up a hit, but nothing else as he recorded his third save of the season.
The Rangers' offense is starting to show some life, but there's no question their winning record is the product of a lights out bullpen and a surprisingly effective starting rotation.
