Top 10 Rangers moments of 2015: No. 2-1

For the top two moments on the countdown, we look at two crucial moments late in the season that helped propel the Rangers to the AL west title.

2. vs. Astros, September 14-17

The Rangers were on the heels of Astros coming into the series, but after it they made no bones about who was the top dog in the AL west. The Rangers swept the four game series to take the division lead for the first time all season. It started with a 5-3 win, a close game as Shawn Tolleson picked up his 32nd save of the season. The next night Tolleson picked up the win in the 6-5 victory. In the third game, facing Houston ace Dallas Keuchel, the Rangers went off for 14 runs in a 14-3 win. That momentum carried over into the fourth game, which the Rangers won 8-2. From there the Rangers would not be out of first place again the rest of the season. This series catapulted them to the division title.

Sep 14, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. vs. Angels, October 4

Of course the division clinching win is at the top. After having the celebration delayed a day after losing a four run lead to the Angels in the top of the ninth the previous day, Cole Hamels took the mound and just silently told everyone “I got this”. He pitched a gem, only allowing a two run bomb in the top of the first in a complete game to win the division for the Rangers. The Rangers won the last ten games that Hamels started in the regular season. Though the Rangers had sealed a playoff berth after beating the Angels in the first game of the four game set, the Rangers clinched their first ALDS spot since 2011 after clinching their first playoff spot since 2012. While the Rangers were unable to get out of the ALDS, this was still a great season considering where the Rangers were coming from after the 2014 season.

Here’s hoping for many great moments in 2016.