Rangers’ leap of faith pays off as Cliff Lee delivers division title
It took 49 years but the Texas Rangers finally won their series in the post-season defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the decisive game five of the American League Division Series.
Riding the back of another post-season masterpiece by Cliff Lee the Rangers beat the Rays and David Price again 5-1 on Tuesday night to secure a spot in the American League Championship Series. Lee struck out 11 and allowed just one run in a completely dominant performance.
"It was a lot of fun, I know that much. We had our back against the wall today and we came out and performed,” Lee said after the game.
The Rangers used some canny baserunning to capitalise on sloppy play in the field by the Rays. Elvis Andrus scored from second base when Josh Hamilton grounded out to first base. Carlos Pena fielded the ball and threw to the covering Price who got the out at first but failed to turn around and check Andrus back to third base.
That set the tone for the rest of the game.
Bengie Molina stole second base for the first time since 2006 in the third inning and Nelson Cruz stole third base with two outs in the fourth inning continuing home after Kelly Shoppach threw into left field.
In the sixth inning Vladimir Guerrero scored when the Rays tried to get a double-play. Again it was Price who made the critical error. Ian Kinsler grounded out to Pena at first who threw to second to get the out. Shortstop Jason Bartlett then threw back to first – where Price was covering - seemingly in-time to get Kinsler out. But first base umpire, Mike Dimuro, called Kinsler safe much to Price’s annoyance. Instead of turning back to check if anyone was heading home Price looked at the umpire in dismay before finally turning around and throwing home. Too late, Guerrero was already on his way home to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead.
Ian Kinsler then all-but assured Texas victory with a two-run shot in the ninth inning.
“We made too many spring training mistakes,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “I want to congratulate the Rangers. Spectacular achievement they put forth this season."
Cliff Lee struck out 10-plus and walked none for the fourth time in his posts-season career, a feat that’s only been achieved four other times in post-season history. That’s why the Rangers traded for him in July and he didn’t disappoint.
"We got him to help us win ballgames. We also got him to do what he did tonight, but he can't do it by himself, and the guys backed him up. They put runs on the board. They played their hearts out,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said.
The Rangers will now play the New York Yankees in the ALCS, hoping to make their first World Series appearance.
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