Rangers have ‘pen to thank for win over Halos

ARLINGTON — Rangers starter A.J. Griffin, battling an upper respiratory infection and uncharacteristic control problems, had a short and disappointing outing on Tuesday at Globe Life Park. But he was picked up by the outstanding work of the bullpen, and the Rangers rallied for a 5-4 victory that lowered their magic number to two games.

Nick Martinez, Alex Claudio and Tanner Scheppers were particularly outstanding on a night when Rangers relievers combined to hold the Angels to one unearned run over 7 1/3 innings.

Martinez, who also made the defensive play of night, earned the win, and closer Sam Dyson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 35th save. The main contributions by Claudio and Scheppers were setting down a Hall of Fame hitter at two crucial points in the game.

“On a night when there were challenges for Griffin, for them to step up the way they did is a testament to their resiliency,” manager Jeff Banister said. “Solid job by everybody.”

Rangers relievers now have 39 wins, the third most for one season in Major League history. The record is 41, set by the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers.

“Everybody down there is amazing,” Dyson said. “They all have phenomenal stuff.”

Martinez entered the game with two outs in the second after Griffin had walked consecutive …

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