When starting pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Kyle Gibson trotted to the outfield to begin their pregame routines a half-hour before Wednesday’s first pitch, neither likely envisioned the duel that was about to take place. Both simply wanted to pitch well, a quality start would be a welcome change for either. McCullers entered with a 5.79 ERA, returning from the injured list (neck) after not recording an out in his last start on Sept. 4. Meanwhile, Gibson’s ERA sat at 6.14, a major disappointment for the first-year Ranger.
Both starting pitchers turned a huge corner in their respective seasons, but one clutch hit off the bat of Joey Gallo in the ninth inning ended up being the difference.