Early in this season, it looked like Alexi Ogando would -- if the Rangers qualified for the postseason -- be a big part of Ron Washington's pitching plans. But Ogando faded down the stretch, and opens this Division Series in the Texas bullpen.
Rangers vs. Rays: Ogando Relieves Holland In 6th
While this might not be how Washington drew things up, having Ogando in the bullpen might be a luxure if, oh I don't know, a starting pitcher like Derek Holland is forced from the game after only five innings, having already thrown 93 pitches?
You know, like what happened in Game 2 tonight?
Ogando took over from Holland in the sixth, and struck out pinch-hitter John Jaso, the first batter he faced, on three pitches. Throwing more of his trademark heat, Ogando retired Sean Rodriguez on a fly to center, but Casey Kotchman followed with a double into the right-field corner. That brought up Matt Joyce, who'd already walloped a two-run homer against Holland.
Joyce continued his hot streak with a hot grounder ticketed for left field and possibly and RBI single, but first baseman Mitch Moreland snared the ball with a dive, got to his knees and threw a strike to Ogando covering first base in plenty of time to nab Joyce.
Rangers 5, Rays 3
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