Texas Rangers fail offensively in World Series Game 1 – MLB Update
The Texas Rangers failed on the offensive front against the St. Louis Cardinals to go down 2-3 in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, October 19 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
Coming into the game after hammering the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series, the Rangers were confident of overcoming Tony La Russa and company in the Fall Classic. However, the scheming manager had other ideas in mind and remained
assertive in implementing his strategy.
The Rangers annihilated the Tigers 15-5 in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series, largely helped by Nelson Cruz, who went on to be named as ALCS Most Valuable Player. However, Cruz failed to produce runs in his three at-bats, adding worries to the line-up.
La Russa kept Chris Carpenter on the mound till the sixth inning and removed him right after the Cardinals gained a one-run advantage over the Rangers. Cardinals had used their bull-pen throughout the season and La Russa used it once again to the team’s
advantage.
Fernando Salas and Marc Rzepczynski halted the scoring spree that the Rangers’ initiated in the fifth inning, combining to pitch a perfect seventh and keep the advantage with the Cardinals.
Earlier in the game, catcher Mike Napoli lashed a two-run homer to Carpenter in the fifth inning after the latter had tossed four scoreless innings upfront to impose pressure on the visitors. This was the only instance where the Rangers displayed their class.
Elvis Andrus, Josh Hamilton and Michael Andrus combined went 0-for-11 in the game, highlighting the domination of Cardinals from the mound. Ian Kinsler connected twice in his four at-bats, but failed to produce runs when his team needed them the most.
The Cardinals, on the contrary, appeared to be a more composed line-up in contrast. Lance Berkman drove in a two-run single in the fourth inning, before Allen Craig held his nerves to drive in a game-winning run for NLCS MVP David Freese.
"I don't think we did the job when we needed," Cruz said. "Men in scoring position is when you need to deliver."
With Game 2 scheduled for Thursday, October 20, it will be interesting to see how the offensive powerhouse responds to the resourceful bull-pen.
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