Rangers Take World Series Lead
The Texas Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 Monday night at the Ballpark in Arlington. The win gives the Rangers a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven game World Series.
The Rangers looked shaky in the beginning of the game. Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson gave up 2 runs in the second inning, helped by errors from left fielder David Murphy and first baseman Mitch Moreland. Moreland made up for his mistake by hitting a solo home run in the third inning to cut the Cardinals’ lead in half.
Wilson went on to pitch 5 1/3 innings, giving up no more runs. Rangers manager went to his bullpen, beginning with Scott Feldman to finish the 6th inning, stranding 2 St. Louis baserunners. Alexi Ogando pitched the 7th inning, allowing no runs despite loading the bases. Ogando was aided by catcher Mike Napoli who gunned down Allen Craig attempting to steal 2nd base.
After Yadier Molina leads off the 8th inning with a single, Washington turns to Darren Oliver to pitch. Oliver gets the next 3 batters out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 8th, Michael Young leads off with a double for the Rangers. After Nelson Cruz is intentionally walked, David Murphy loads the bases on a ground ball that was deflected by Cardinals pitcher Marc Rzepczynski. Mike Napoli then hits a line drive double which scores 2 runs and pads the lead.
Rangers star closer Neftali Feliz hit batter Allen Craig to lead off the 9th inning. Napoli then again throws out Craig attempting to steal 2nd base. Feliz finishes the game by striking out Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman.
The series will continue Wednesday night in St. Louis with the Rangers just 1 game away from a World Championship.
{scrollbox}dir=2011/world series{/scrollbox}
