The Rangers entered a getaway Thursday game with their best starting pitcher on the mound and a chance even a four-game series with the Blue Jays. Alexi Ogando did his part, throwing six solid innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven. He was matched, though, by Brandon Morrow, who also completed six and allowed two.
With the game tied, Cody Eppley and Pedro Strop pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings, so the Rangers turned to Darren Oliver in the top of the ninth of a tie game. He recorded a quick out, but two singles put men on first and third for Corey Patterson. The Toronto center fielder bunted and caught a typically stellar Rangers infield on their heels. Neither Oliver nor Chris Davis could get to the ball in time to cut down the go-ahead run, and neither Davis nor Ian Kinsler covered first in time to retire Patterson.
Oliver then walked Jose Bautista, and Adrian Beltre booted a routine grounder from Juan Rivera. Patterson moved to third, and, after seeing that the Rangers weren’t aware of him, continued home for Toronto’s fifth run.
Meanwhile, the Rangers were unable to solve any of three Jays relievers as they managed just one single in three innings. Former Rangers Frank Francisco finished the game by recording the last four outs.