The Texas Rangers had everything line up perfectly in game 1 of the season. They got 6 innings out of starter Colby Lewis and were able to hand a lead to the lights out back end of the bullpen to preserve the lead. Alexi Ogando struck out the side in the 7th, Mike Adams in the 8th, and Closer Joe Nathan closed it out in the 9th inning for a 3-2 victory.
Game 2 the rangers got 6 innings from starter Derek Holland and brought the bullpen on with a 3-3 tie. Alexi Ogando pitch a scoreless seventh, Mike Adams a scoreless 8th, and Joe Nathan gave up the game winning homerun in the 9th.
Two games almost two identical scenario's but two completely different outcomes. First off don't crucify Joe Nathan yet. Closers always seem to pitch worse when they aren't protecting a lead. He should have held on to the tie, but not everyone is perfect. Nathan is throwing the ball well except for one fastball right down the middle.
The offense hasn't clicked yet. Everyone knows before it is all said and done that the Rangers will be scoring more than 3 runs per game. This isn't the Seattle Mariners line up. The Ranger sluggers just missed several pitches that normally would have gone for extra bases. World Series star Mike Napoli wasn't able to come through with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the eight as we saw many times last year.
Only two games in it seems early to make judgements on this team but with the pitching, deep batting order, and the strong back end of the bullpen this team has a good shot to be right back in the World Series come October.
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