Gagne helps Rangers sweep the Mariners

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Eric Gagne once converted a major league-record 84 consecutive save opportunities. What the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner had never done was save two games on the same day -- until Tuesday.

The Texas Rangers’ closer pitched the ninth inning in both games of a doubleheader, getting the last three outs after a leadoff hit each time, as the Rangers swept the Seattle Mariners. Texas won, 2-1 and 4-3.

Limited to 15 1/3 innings the last two seasons for the Dodgers because of three operations (two elbow, one back), Gagne pitched in three games in a 24-hour span. It’s another strong indication that he is indeed healthy.

“You can talk about it, but until you prove it, that’s all that matters,” said Gagne, who has 16 saves in 17 chances. “Going back-to-back days and back-to-back games on the same day, it’s just good to prove it.”

Manager Ron Washington had said he had no intention of using Gagne twice Tuesday.

In the series opener late Monday night, Gagne pitched in a non-save situation and gave up three runs in the ninth inning but the Rangers held on to win, 8-7.

“He came to me,” Washington said.