The Texas Rangers look to even up the World Series at 2-2 tonight in Arlington as Tommy Hunter faces off against Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants.
Texas pulled the series to 2-1 last night when they beat San Francisco 4-2 behind Colby Lewis, who earned his third win of the postseason. Mitch Moreland blasted a three run home run in the second inning and Josh Hamilton added a solo home run to provide the offense for the Rangers.
Hunter is starting for the Rangers tonight despite talk about bringing back Cliff Lee on three days rest to make the start tonight. Hunter has made two starts so far in the postseason and has not pitched more than four innings in either of them. He was hung with the loss against the Rays in Game 4 of the ALDS, pitching four innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out seven. Hunter also started Game 4 of the ALCS, failing to escape the third inning, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five in three and a third. Derek Holland came on in relief of Hunter to receive the win.
The Rangers bats will face rookie lefty Madison Bumgarner of the Giants. Bumgarner has made three appearances - two starts - so far in the postseason. He' a very respectable 3.55 ERA but his WHIP in his 12.2 playoff innings is 1.42 and he's posted a BAA of .306. He last appeared in a game eight days ago in Game 6 of the NLCS when he came on in relief of Giants started Jonathan Sanchez.
First pitch for tonight is slated for 8:20 EDT, 7:20 local time. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.