As I’ve mentioned a couple times this week, the Rangers are suddenly watchable again. Fun, even.
But last night’s 18-7 loss to the Yankees proves why their still not legit contenders for anything more than a healthy appetizer before Cowboys’ training camp. Drum roll … pitching.
Surprised?
Seven times the Rangers have had a chance for a three-game sweep this season and, after last night’s debacle, they’re 0-7. Someone call this chick, ‘cuz the Rangers have some ‘splainin’ to do.
If every game were 12-9, I could understand how Texas’ bullpen gets used up. But last night – on the heels of 2-1 and 3-2 wins – manager Ron Washington was forced to call on rookie Warner Madrigal nursing a one-run lead in the seventh?
Madrigal allowed the first five hitters to reach base, wound up surrendering six runs and left his major league debut with an ERA of 62.00. Worse, he exposed the Rangers’ bullpen as inefficient enough to compete with the league’s elite.
With a one-run lead and needing nine outs for a sweep at Yankee Stadium, the Rangers have to find better options. -- Richie Whitt