Texas Rangers: 4 encouraging signs from the Rangers in 2nd half opener

Gray's ability to keep the Guardians off the scoreboard

Some of you will say, that he did allow four runs in this game. Yes, he did, all in the third inning. He gave up home runs to the Naylor brothers, both two-run home runs. It was clear Gray did not have his best stuff last night. He finished his six innings with just three swings and misses on the night.

Gray kept the Rangers in the game. He allowed those four runs and then did not allow another run the rest of the game. His shutdown inning in the fifth was key to the Rangers coming back. They had just scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Gray allowed a single to Amed Rosario and then later intentionally walked Josh Naylor. That put runners on first and second with Andres Gimenez and two outs. Gray struck out Gimenez swinging on a fastball at the top of the zone. Gray did not pick up the win, but he handed a 4-3 deficit to the bullpen and the offense took care of the rest.