ARLINGTON, Texas — The bats stayed alive for game two as the Texas Rangers finally won a postseason game at home.
Like game one, Texas jumped out to a 5-0 lead, except this time the bullpen held up for a 7-2 victory. The series is tied now at 1-1 heading to New York for the next three games.
The talk was how the Rangers would respond after blowing game one. “I didn’t see any effects from last night,” Ranger manager Ron Washington said.
The Texas Rangers celebrate after beating the New York Yankees 7-2 in Game 2 of baseball’s American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Associated Press)
The first inning set the tone as Elvis Andrus scored on a double steal. “The opportunity seemed right,” Ranger manager Ron Washington said. “So we took a chance.”
When the Rangers are aggressive on the bast paths, they have had success.
Ranger starting pitcher Colby Lewis pitched a gem going 5 and 2/3rds innings with six strike-outs. He did not fare as well in his first postseason start against Tampa Bay.
“The nerves were gone,” Lewis said. “It felt like a regular season game.”
Lewis admitted that his first start had him in awe. He had only seen the postseason on TV prior to this year. He was much more relaxed this game giving a lot of credit to the run support he received.
The Yankees starters have not fared as well. Both CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes have struggled in the first two games.
“I’m not too concerned with our offense,” Yankee manager Joe Girardi said.
An option the Yankees have, since Sabathia only pitched four innings in game one, is to have him pitch on short rest for game four.
Girardi insisted that has not been discussed. “Let me get on the plane first,” Girardi said.
The Rangers had game one and lost it, but were able to win game two. Going to New York 1-1 should be a plus for Texas. Especially since their ace, Cliff Lee, will pitch game three. Lee has an excellent postseason record winning the only two games the Phillies won last year in the World Series against the Yankees.
“We’ve got a pretty good guy on the mound too,” Girardi said referring to Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte.
Game three will take place Monday night at Yankees Stadium.
Jason Black is a regular sports contributor on America’s Morning News and coincidently, or not, does movie reviews for KJ103 and102.1 Kissin’ Country. You can also follow Jason on Twitter @jasonblack23.
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