After 8½ innings, the Rangers are no longer trying to win.
Not really. Not down 9-0.
After 8½ innings, the Rangers would merely appreciate getting a runner to third base for the first time in Game 1.
Either way, they’re fortunate that there’s no such thing as momentum in baseball.
They’re unfortunate, in having to win three of four games, or have their season end a lot sooner than they would like.