.jpg?downsize=56%3A*)
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
In the locker room: Rangers after victory
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Colby Lewis finished with nine strikeouts, Joe Nathan recorded his first save as the Rangers' closer and Ian Kinsler didn't appear to be affected by his ongoing contract extension talk.
Kinsler, who drilled the Rangers' first homer of the year [a 349-foot shot to left field] in the third inning, scored two runs in a 3-2 victory over the White Sox on Opening Day at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Here's what the Rangers were saying in the locker room after Friday's victory.
Kinsler on Nathan recording a save in his first chance with the Rangers:
"I felt really good about him running out of the bullpen. I've seen it from the other side. It's very comforting seeing a guy like that coming out of the bullpen. You were basically able to see what he's capable of doing today."
Nathan on how he felt about not allowing a runner to reach base on Friday and recording his first save as the Rangers' closer:
"It's just real nice to get that first one done. I tried to stay calm. I felt like I was telling myself to relax a little bit. I was a little amped up even though I've been out there quite a few times during my career. This felt like the first time. It was a good felling.
"Getting that first out really helped me to settle in a little bit and start commanding my pitches a little better. Very excited."
Nathan on how the Rangers pitched as a team:
"Colby was outstanding. He mixed up his pitches and threw everything for strikes. I don't think they could sit on one pitch to be honest with you. I was getting fooled watching the game.
"Alexi obviously came out with electric stuff. He's blessed with a very good arm and he showed it today."
Michael Young on Kinsler not being distracted by his contract situation:
"I would never expect it to be [a distraction]. That's never an issue for us. We'd love to get in a situation where Kins is happy and settled in as quickly as possible but those things never affect us on the field. Those are off the field things. When we're on the field we expect to do our best."
--
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
