AL Wild Card, Rangers vs. Orioles final score: Texas falls to Baltimore, 5-1, to end season

The Texas Rangers lost their one-game AL wild card match up against the Baltimore Orioles 5-1, closing the book on a disappointing conclusion to the season. The Rangers, three wins shy of clinching the AL West a week ago, finished the season by losing seven of their last nine games, losing the AL West in the process. Friday night's loss to Baltimore ends the season for Texas, as part of MLB's new one-game wild card format.

The Rangers and Orioles both got on the board early, tied at 1-1 after the first inning. The Rangers received a strong outing from starter Yu Darvish, but failed to provide any run support. Darvish threw 59 strikes in 91 pitches in 6 2/3 nnings, including seven strikeouts. Texas continued to strand runners on base, and Darvish was unable to hold the tie.

An Adam Jones sacrifice fly broke the tie in the sixth inning, bringing short stop J.J. Hardy home. Darvish was relieved in the seventh inning by Derek Holland, who allowed a Nate McLouth single to bring the score to 3-1. Darvish was charged with the earned run. It would be enough to earn the rookie the loss.

The Rangers threatened a comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Trailing 5-1 with two outs, Jurickson Profar landed a single, loading the bases. However, David Murphy, pinch hitting for Craig Gentry, flied out to left to end the game.

Joe Saunders got the win for Baltimore, allowing one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. The Orioles move on to face the New York Yankees.