ARLINGTON, Texas _ The Rangers have a severe pitching problem that could eat away at the entire staff.
Closer Jose Leclerc, a vital piece in the rebuilding program, is struggling. Badly.
Leclerc gave up a three-run ninth-inning lead against Pittsburgh on Tuesday night at Globe Life Park. The Pirates reached Leclerc for four hits, the last a two-out, two-run, game-tying double by Josh Bell.
The Rangers lost, 6-4, in 11 innings. Rookie Ryan Reynolds and Starling Marte homered off Jesse Chavez for the winning runs.
Leclerc is the bigger concern for the Rangers.
A year ago, Leclerc converted all 13 save chances after replacing closer Keone Kela, who was traded to Pittsburgh. Leclerc has two blown saves in seven chances this season and has had to be hooked in the ninth inning in two other non-save outings when the situation was deteriorating.
Leclerc is being hit at a high rate. He has allowed 14 hits in 10 2/3 innings. A year ago, he gave up only 24 hits in 57 2/3 innings.
Leclerc ruined a strong start by right-hander Adrian Sampson, who had impeccable command. Sampson had 58 strikes in 82 pitches and did not allow a walk in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He went to a three-ball count on only two hitters.
The Rangers broke through with two runs in the fourth. Walks to Hunter Pence and Joey Gallo set up a two-run single by Asdrubal Cabrera. Gallo also drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk in the eighth.
Bell achieved a career goal of starting at cleanup and first base for Pittsburgh against the Rangers at Globe Life Park.
This marked Bell's first major-league appearances at his hometown park. He played in high school games with Dallas Jesuit at Globe Life and also attended Rangers playoff games. Bell's Ranger memorabilia includes a Josh Hamilton "claw" T-shirt.
"It's definitely exciting to be back here, playing for a professional club," said Bell, who leads the Pirates in homers with six. "I'm excited to play in front of friends and family I haven't seen in a while."
Bell had two hits in five at-bats.
"I feel good," Bell said. "There are a couple of people who probably feel better than I do. I feel I'm in a good place and want to finish this month strong."
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