Despite losing Game 5 to CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers will have two opportunities to clinch their first visit to the World Series in Arlington.
Owners of a 3-2 ALCS lead, the Rangers head back to Arlington with their two best starting pitchers ready to take the mound. Colby Lewis will start the sixth game of the ALCS on Friday night. Should he or Texas falter on Friday, the Rangers have postseason great Cliff Lee waiting in the wings for Game 7.
Lewis was credited with the win in Game 2 of the ALCS over the Yankees. He pitched five and two thirds innings, yielding two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out six.
The Yankees will look to keep their postseason alive with another win and force a decisive Game 7. Young righty Phil Hughes will draw the start for New York. Hughes, an 18 game winner in the regular season, lost his matchup against Lewis in Game 2 of the ALCS. Hughes lasted only four innings, giving up seven runs on 10 hits and struck out only three batters.
Game 5 winner CC Sabathia says he'll be available out of the bullpen for Game 6.
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz says he'll play in Game 6 despite having been lifted in Game 5 with a tight hamstring. Cruz has been plagued by injuries all year but will fight through the latest one.
First pitch is slated for 8:07 EDT. Televised coverage can be found on TBS.