Four Solo Homers Power Rangers Past Rays and Into ALCS
Have a game, Adrian Beltre. Three home runs. Spectacular defense. He might just be the ALDS MVP. If he's not, it's Mike Napoli's fault. Both were big off-season acquisitions, and I couldn't be happier to have them on my team.
Ian Kinsler set the tone for today's game with a lead-off solo home run to left field. Beltre wasn't about to let that be it though. He hit solo HRs in the 2nd, 4th and 7th innings, becoming the sixth player in MLB history to have a three-HR postseason game. There wasn't much offense beyond that -- only two of the Texas Rangers' six hits were not home runs -- but we didn't need it.
Not so fast though. This wasn't an easy win. Matt Harrison held it down for five innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out nine. Atta boy, Matty. Derek Holland, Alexi Ogando and Mike Adams handled the next three innings, allowing just one baserunner. Neftali Feliz, coming on after his four-out save last night, had to infuse a little drama. He walked Sean Rodriguez with one out and then allowed Rodriguez to advance to second. Rodriguez, who has been a thorn in the Texas Rangers' side all series, scored on a Casey Kotchman single. Beltre snagged a pop foul for the second out and Desmond Jennings (another Ranger killer) grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game.
Whew.
Heart rate can now return to normal.
After the celebration.
I plan to pop a bottle of something this evening.
KISS: How can it be anyone but Beltre?
MISS: Nelson Cruz is really hard to watch right now. Hope he finds his boomstick for the ALCS.
FINAL SCORE
Rangers :: 4 R, 6 H, 6 TLOB
Rays :: 3 R, 7 H, 7 TLOB
The Rangers now await the Tigers and Yankees to finish their series. Detroit leads it 2-1.
