Ogando impressive in Rangers' win

Published Apr. 6, 2012 7:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Mike Adams and Joe Nathan pitched the final two innings Friday, preserving the Rangers' 3-2 Opening Day win. But Alexi Ogando was the most dominant of the teams' relievers.

Ogando struck out all three White Sox he faced in the seventh inning, an inning that Adams said is the toughest to pitch.

"He's one of those guys that are electric," Adams said. "If he wasn't so versatile, being a guy that can go two innings if possible, there's probably no question that he'd have my job and maybe even Joe's job."

Ogando only needed 14 pitches to retire Gordon Beckham, Alejandro De Aza and Brent Morel. All three went down swinging an inning after Michael Young gave the Rangers the lead for good on a single that scored Josh Hamilton.

Adams then used 16 pitches, allowing one hit, to get through the eighth and Nathan finished things off with an 11-pitch ninth.

"I think we have a really deep bullpen," Adams said. "I think if we can get a lead going into the sixth inning I like our chances. If needed, I think we have the bullpen to shorten games by five, six innings."

Ogando spoke briefly through his interpreter, noting that he would like to be a starter but he's content with doing what the team needs.

"I always say that I'd like to start but this is what they want me to do and I always say I'll be there for whatever they want me to do," Ogando said. "If they want me to do that, I'll do that.

"This way is working right now and it worked today. I'll be ready to come out any inning they want."

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