Thoughts on a 3-2 Rangers win

Rangers 3, A’s 2

At least we have Lance Lynn.
Lance Lynn didn’t have his good command tonight, fell behind early, and generally performed in a fairly mediocre fashion compared to what we have grown accustomed to from him. He also registered a quality start, giving up 2 runs in 6 IP, striking out 8 and walking 2. It just underscores the level of performance we have gotten used to from Lance Lynn.
I would be remiss if I didn’t note that there’s a non-zero possibility that this was Lance Lynn’s final start as a Ranger. Lynn is slated to start again Saturday against the Dodgers, but with the trade deadline a week away and the Rangers seeming likely to be sellers, Lynn, under contract through 2021 and performing at a high level, could fetch a hefty return from any number of teams seeking starting pitching.
Jonathan Hernandez pitched the seventh and part of the eighth, retiring five batters, three via strikeout, while allowing an infield hit and a walk. His ERA is down to 1.56, and he’s been a revelation this year.
Rafael Montero fanned Stephen Piscotty to end the eighth, but got into trouble in the 9th. After a soft lead off single by Tony Kemp, Montero gave up a solid one out single to Marcus Simien, then walked Ramon Laureano to load the bases. Aides throughout the inning by a generous strike zone, however, Montero struck out Matt Olson, then got Matt Chapman to fly out for a routine, easy, no-sweat save.