BALTIMORE — For the first time this postseason, the Texas Rangers’ maligned bullpen had to protect a slim lead in the late innings.
Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and José Leclerc wobbled but didn’t fall.
Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning helped the visitors reach the sixth inning ahead on the scoreboard, and the Rangers held on through some anxious moments for a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles to open their best-of-five American League Division Series on Saturday.
“The bullpen did a great job,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “Got bumpy, but found a way to get through it.”
Josh Jung homered and made a nice play at third base to start a critical double play for Texas, which improved to 3-0 in these playoffs — all on the road.