A look back at the play that could have cost the Texas Rangers a loss in Game 4, against the Detroit Tigers
The Texas Rangers managed to go 3 – 1 in the American League Championship Series on Wednesday, October 12, when they beat the Detroit Tigers 7 – 3 in Game 4 at the Comerica Park in Detroit. However things could have been a lot different if Nelson Cruz did
not play the way he did. Manager Ron Washington did not allow Rangers pitcher Mike Adams to pitch to Miguel Cabrera in the eighth. He instead ordered the hurler to walk the hitter on a 3 – 3 score line.
"I was very surprised," Adams said. "I was definitely prepared to face him. I was surprised, but it was his decision and the best decision."
Adams had gotten Ryan Raburn out on a grounder when he came face to face against Cabrera. The relief pitcher walked him to bring victor Martinez on to the plate. The Detroit designated hitter pushed a single to the right field. The play allowed Cabrera to
go to third base. With a run away from a loss, the Rangers were saved by Cruz in the following play.
Delmon Young hit a fly ball to the right field in order to get Cabrera home. Cruz caught the ball in the middle of the park and then delivered a sharp and accurate throw to catcher Mike Napoli to tag Cabrera out at home plate. The play was one of many that
kept the Rangers tied with the Tigers late in the innings.
"Tonight was a total team effort," Young said. "Everybody in the line up contributed in one way or another."
The throw was remarked as the deciding factor in the Ranger’s push for the third win in the series.
"It was a great decision to send him," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "If the throw is off line, he makes it. You make him throw him out at the plate. It was the right call. Cruz threw it on the money."
Cruz went on to hit a three-run homer in the eleventh inning that secured the crucial win. It may be true that the Rangers managed to their claw win through disciplined team work but if Cruz was not in the line up, the Tigers would be even with the Texans
in Championship Series.
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