How many relievers does it take to record nine outs?
In the case of the Cleveland Guardians, the answer is five. At least that’s how many blundered through the final innings of Friday night’s 12-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.
The bullpen was handed a 4-2 lead to start the sixth inning when manager Terry Francona pulled starting pitcher Aaron Civale after only 79 pitches, evidently opting not to try his luck with Civale a third time through the Rangers’ order. Long story short, it did not work out.
Eli Morgan did not look sharp from the start, walking Nathaniel Lowe on four pitches.