2011 World Series: Rangers Even Up the Series, 1-1
The Texas Rangers will go back home with the World Series tied at 1 game a piece. They jumped on reliever Jason Motte in the ninth inning to complete the comeback.
Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus provided the offense in the ninth that set the table for the heart of the order. Kinsler, who was 2-3 with two singles, blooped a hit into left field. He then got a great jump off of Motte and stole second base. Elvis Andrus lined a single to center field and advanced to second base on a ball Albert Pujols failed to cut off.
Tony LaRussa questionably removed Motte, his unofficial closer, and brought in the veteran Arthur Rhodes for the traditional lefty-lefty match up. Josh Hamilton flew to center scoring Kinsler from third on the sacrifice fly. Lance Lynn replaced Rhodes and Michael Young drove in the go-ahead and ultimately, the game winning run.
For a moment, it seemed like the Cardinals were going to win the game 1-0 and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Allen Craig provided the offense once again against Alexi Ogando.
It was déjà vu for Ogando and the Rangers as Craig poked a single in right field on an outside fastball. Craig became the first pinch hitter to drive in the go-ahead runs in back to back games.
This was also the second game in a row where both pitchers had amazing starts. Kolby Lewis pitched 6 2/3 giving up 1 run and striking out four.
Jaime Garcia, who's breaking ball was keeping the Rangers off balance, pitched a true gem. He threw seven scoreless innings and struck out seven.
The Rangers were able to stay in the game with their incredible defense up the middle. With two men on and two men out Furcal sent a liner into the hole. Andrus dove, caught the ball on one hop and flipped it to Kinsler, giving him to get to the bag, but quickly enough to force the out at second.
Now the focus shifts to Saturday's Game 3 in Arlington, Texas. Matt Harrison will take the mound for the Rangers and Kyle Lohse will pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Texas stripped home field advantage from the Cardinals with a miraculous win in the ninth. They will have the chance to close out the series at home if they win the next three games.
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