Rangers Lose World Series Game 1

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The Texas Rangers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in Game 1 of the World Series.  The Rangers could not get an offensive spark, generating just 6 hits in the game.

Texas was held scoreless through 4 innings before Mike Napoli hit a 2-run home run in the 5th which tied the game at 2-2.

Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson went 5 2/3 innings, putting the go-ahead run on base in the 6th inning.  Wilson is now 0-3 in his 4 playoff starts.  

Alexi Ogando came on in relief for Wilson, but could not get the needed out as Allen Craig hit an RBI single to right field that went in and out of the glove of Nelson Cruz.

Texas tried to rally in the 7th, as Cruz hit a single and Mike Napoli walked.  Rangers manager Ron Washington turned to pinch hitter Craig Gentry to hit for David Murphy, but Gentry was called out on strikes.  With the pitcher’s spot up next, Washington put in Esteban German to hit for Ogando, a move that would be highly criticized because German has not been at the plate any during the playoffs.  German struck out on 3 pitches.

The Rangers still had hope in the 9th inning, as Michael Young, Adrian Beltre, and Nelson Cruz were due up.  Young and Beltre each grounded out and Cruz hit a fly ball to left field to end the game.

The Cardinal bullpen only gave up 1 hit through 3 scoreless innings.  St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter gave up 5 hits in his 6 innings.

Texas will try to even the series tonight at 7:05 in St. Louis.