Rangers fail to complete sweep

Arlington – The Texas Rangers came within two innings of a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Divisional Series.  After winning the first two games in Tampa, the Rangers came home to a packed house of fans whipped into a frenzy at the prospect of a first-ever ALDS win.

Unfortunately, Texas fell short as Tampa pounced on the Rangers relievers for 5 runs in the 8th and 9th innings for a 6-3 win.

Texas scored first, with Mitch Moreland scoring after his lead-off double.  Texas starting pitcher Colby Lewis kept the Rays scoreless through 5 innings, then was pulled in the 6th after walking the lead-off batter.  From there a series of relievers came in for the Rangers, giving up the tying run.

The game didn’t stay tied long as Ian Kinsler led off the bottom of the 7th with a solo home run to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead and only 6 outs away from victory. 

Again, the Texas pitchers could not stop the Rays as a series of walks and hits allows the Rays to score 2 and take the lead 3-2.  The 9th inning was even worse, as the Rays hit 2 home runs to extend the lead to 6-2.

Texas got a glimmer of hope in the bottom of the 9th, with a solo homer by Nelson Cruz.  It was all they could muster, as they fall 6-3.

The Rangers will try again to win the series at home on Sunday.