Late Rally Lifts Rangers Past Tigers

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The Texas Rangers are a game away from returning to the World Series after an 11 inning win against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

With the game tied at 3, Rangers catcher Mike Napoli put Texas ahead for good with an RBI single off Detroit closer Jose Valverde.  Nelson Cruz followed up with his 2nd 11th inning home run of the series, this time a 3-run shot that sealed the game for the Rangers at 7-3.

The Rangers trailed 2-0 going into the 6th inning, generating just 2 hits off Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.  The Texas bats came alive in the top of the 6th inning as the Rangers scored 3 runs on 4 hits to take the lead.

Alexi Ogando came on in relief of starter Matt Harrison, who had allowed just the 2 runs on 3 hits through the first 5 innings.  Ogando went 2 innings, but blew the save when Brandon Inge blasted a game-tying home run in the bottom of the 7th.

The Rangers were in trouble again in the 8th, when manager Ron Washington called for pitcher Mike Adams to intentionally walk Miguel Cabrera.  Cabrera was advanced to 3rd base and was attempting to score the go-ahead run when Nelson Cruz made a spectacular throw to Mike Napoli for the tag out at the plate.

Cruz’ postseason play has been historic.  With Wednesday’s home run, he becomes the first player in major league history to hit 2 extra-inning home runs in the same series.  “You almost can’t describe him,” said outfielder David Murphy. “Nelson Cruz loves the spotlight and he loves the clutch. You can almost guarantee when he comes up in the clutch, he’s going to get a big hit. Or if you need a big defensive play, he is going to make it.”

The Rangers will try to end the series this afternoon in Detroit with C.J. Wilson on the mound against Justin Verlander.