The Rangers Overcome the Yankees to Advance to the World Series (Part 1)
"Our fans have waited a long time, this organization has waited a long time," said Rangers team president, co-owner, and Hall of Fame pitcher, Nolan Ryan. "This team coming out of spring training was on a mission."
Well the Texas Rangers accomplished their mission, defeating the New York Yankees in the final Game 6 of the playoffs, 6-1, putting them in the World Series for the first time in 50 years, since the franchise started.
"The World Series is coming to Texas," said Michael Young, the longest-tenured Ranger in his 10th season. "These fans have waited longer than we have. I know how bad we wanted it and they must have wanted it more."
"Totally worth the wait, totally," he said.
Josh Hamilton earned the ALCS MVP Award, as Colby Lewis pitched eight exceptional innings for his second win of the series.
Hamilton, who had a total of four homeruns in the series, shed a tear in centre field after the final out.
"We are here as a group. This group is here because they don't know how to fail," he said.
Cliff Lee, ace pitcher for the Rangers, was waiting, if required, to pitch Game 7. Now, Lee can rest up for Game 1 of the World Series which will take place in either San Francisco or Philadelphia, depending on who wins the NLCS.
The Rangers had never won a postseason series or home playoff game until this year, and have now defeated the $200 million Yankees with ease.
Defeating New York gives Texas an even better feeling, because the Yankees knocked the Rangers out of the playoff series in each of the Rangers’ three appearances.
Looks like the shoe is on the other foot this year.
The Rangers excelled over the Yankees in every aspect of the game, hitting, fielding, and pitching.
Moments after Neftali Feliz struck Alex Rodriguez out, the Rangers stormed the field, as confetti fell over the team, fireworks burst into the night sky, and a flag declaring the Rangers as the AL champion.
New York had only one unearned run. With Rodriguez at third, Nick Swisher came to bat. The pitch bounced, hit Swisher below the left knee of ricocheted away from catcher Bengie Molina towards the backstop. Rodriguez then jogged home for their single run.
Molina and Rangers managers came out to argue with the umpire, saying that the ball was dead because it hit Swisher, but none of the umpires saw the ball hit him. Replays clearly showed that it did.
The game started with New York at bat with Lewis pitching and Derek Jeter grounding out to the shortstop. Next up was Curtis Granderson, who walked, followed by Robinson Cano who hit a pop fly and was out. Granderson was then caught stealing second base and was out.
In the bottom of the first, Texas came to bat with Phil Hughes pitching for New York. Elvis Andrus first doubled to deep centre field, followed by Young who struck out. Hamilton then batted a single to left field, with Andrus getting to third. Vladimir Guerrero was up next and grounded out to second, allowing Andrus to score and Hamilton to get to second. Nelson Cruz was then up next and flied out to right field. The score was now 1-0, to the Rangers.
In the top of the second, Rodriguez, Lance Berkman, and Swisher were all called out.
In the bottom of the second, the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, and Molina were also called out.
The top of the third was a repeat performance of the second for the Yankees, with Jorge Posada, Marcus Thames, and Brett Gardner out.
The remaining innings of the game will be discussed in the next article.
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