Tim Lincecum's fiery exhibition leaves the Rangers gasping for air
The San Francisco Giants were always going to be on the verge of a World Series title clinch when they faced off against the Texas Rangers in the Rangers Ballpark on Monday night. The National League Champions were leading the
series 3–1 and the 5th encounter presented the team with an opportunity to capitalize on the pressure invoked on the rivals and clinch the World Series title.
Tim Lincecum, from the Giants, was facing off against the resilient Cliff Lee, who had contributed well to the Rangers burst through the playoffs. The two ace pitchers met before in the 1st game and in the 5th fixture
they faced off again. The Texans were looking for a victory and they needed two consecutive wins to push the series to the 7th match. However, that never turned out to be the case as San Francisco finished the tournament with a victory, thanks to
an Edgar Renteria three–run homer and a defensive display of prowess by Lincecum, on the mound.
The Giants fancied their chances and the American League Champions were weak to counter the pursuit. At the end of the night, it was San Francisco that stood tall. The Rangers had lost 3 games in the series already and many knew
that along with the bullpen, the hitting squad was weak on contributing significantly to the success of the team.
Lincecum was on the mark on Monday and it wasn’t a surprise to see the shaggy haired 26 year lead the Giants to victory. Relief pitcher, Sergio Romo, was one team mate to notice the look and the focus on the fast pitcher’s face.
The outcome wasn’t disappointing either. Tim stole the show by striking out 10 hitters in 8 innings and allowing just a run off 3 hits.
Compared to the first game, when the young pitcher lasted just 5.2 innings, the player improved immensely. Last time around, he conceded 4 runs and on Monday that figure drastically changed. He recalled the game and during a press
conference said, “The last game, maybe my nerves got the best of me," Lincecum said. "There was a little adrenaline rush and I didn't keep myself collected. Today, knowing those things were going to happen, I took more deep breaths. I took time when I needed
to.”
Lincecum’s team mate, Cody Ross, had a few words to share about his starting pitcher and said, “Timmy pitched outstanding tonight. To go out and do what he did against this line up, on this stage, was incredible. Cliff threw amazing
as well -- he threw an absolute great game, too. But you can't say enough about Timmy.”
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