SB Nation Dallas - Rangers Take ALCS Game 1, Beat Tigers 3-2https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2011-10-09T01:14:22-05:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22412222011-10-09T01:14:22-05:002011-10-09T01:14:22-05:00ALCS Sets Stressful Early Tone
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<p><b>Magic Number: </b>7</p>
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<h3>Current Series</h3>
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<h4>Rangers lead the series 1-0</h4>
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<td class="td-first">Sat 10/08</td>
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WP: <span>Alexi Ogando</span> (1 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Neftali Feliz</span> <br> LP: <span>Justin Verlander</span> (1 - 1) <br>
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<td class="td-last"><span>3 - 2 win</span></td>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> <span id="blog_icon_101799322" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_101799322_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img alt="Blessyouboys_m" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/490/blessyouboys_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></span></span></span> <br> <span>@ <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> <span id="blog_icon_866012533" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_866012533_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/"><img alt="Lonestarball_m" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/366/lonestarball_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/">Lone Star Ball</a></span></span></span> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Oct 9, 2011, 6:45 PM CDT</span><br> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>Max Scherzer</span> vs <span>Derek Holland</span></p>
<p class="weather"> Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing in from center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around .</p>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
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<td class="td-first">Tue 10/11</td>
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<td class="td-last"><span>7:05 PM CDT</span></td>
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<td class="td-first">Wed 10/12</td>
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<td class="td-last"><span>3:19 PM CDT</span></td>
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<p>So that's how it's gonna be, huh?</p>
<p>The Rangers were spoiled last postseason, playing games that were fairly well decided before the final outs were recorded. Outside of a blowout loss to start the playoffs, 2011 has been the complete opposite. Fortunately, at the same time, the Rangers have won each of those games.</p>
<p>Game one was played in three parts, thanks to rain delays. Part one was the Rangers clicking on all cylinders, getting to the Cy Young in waiting, Justin Verlander. Texas consistently worked quality plate appearances against the ace who has otherwise been treated as an automatic win in the playoffs, getting five hits and two walks off of him, and driving the pitch count early. The combination of a Napoli single, Murphy triple, and Kinsler single gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead in the second, and a Nelson Cruz home run (finally) tacked another run on in the fourth. At the same time, <span>C.J. Wilson</span> was cruising with six strikeouts through for innings, no runs allowed, and the Rangers were in firm control to start the ALCS up 3-0.</p>
<p>Then came the rains, putting what was starting to seem inevitable on hold. When the rain lifted, Wilson went out to protect his three run lead, and instead fell apart. It may have been the weather, it may have been the time off, it may have been the tiny strikezone that both teams dealt with all night, or it may have been Wilson just suddenly being awful, but two doubles two walks, and a wild pitch gave the Tigers two runs in the fourth. Ron Washington chose not to even have a reliever ready, which seems a mistake in hindsight, and then called for a very questionable intentional walk to load the bases with two outs.</p>
<p>Then the rain came back.</p>
<p>The delay meant perhaps the most kvetched-over pitching change in Texas Rangers history. Should Alexi Ogando come in regardless of left-handed <span>Alex Avila</span> coming up? Should it be <span>Darren Oliver</span>? <span>Mike Gonzalez</span>? Should Ogando have been brought in to face <span>Magglio Ordonez</span>, avoiding an intentional walk? Would this game even be finished Saturday?</p>
<p>Finally, the weather cleared, Mike Gonzalez was the choice, and he quickly induced an anti-climactic Avila ground-out to end the threat. Thus began the third portion of the game, the stress-inducing stalemate.</p>
<p>The long delay meant Verlander was out of the game, which seems like a win. Given how the Rangers hit Verlander and how they hit the Tigers' bullpen afterwards, that might not be true. <span>Rick Porcello</span> and Ryan Perry combined for three and two-thirds perfect innings, as the Rangers flailed away at bad pitches for quick outs. A <span>Mitch Moreland</span> single off of <span>Phil Coke</span> in-between, and a flyball Kinsler just missed on formed the closest thing to highlights for the offense the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the Rangers' bullpen provided everything fans have hoped for since their mid-season acquisitions. After Gonzalez's one batter, Alexi Ogando -- October's bullpen ace -- came in for two dominant innings of three strikeouts, one walk, and no base hits. Darren Oliver faced lefties <span>Don Kelly</span> and Avila, making short work of them with a strikeout of the latter, before <span>Mike Adams</span> came in to make <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> look silly on a strikeout of his own.</p>
<p>Texas remained down a run, before Neftali Feliz came in. What happened next was magic.</p>
<p>The inning began with the only base hit the Tigers managed off of the bullpen, and it came in the form of a nifty <span>Ramon Santiago</span> bunt hit. From there, Feliz turned in perhaps the most dominant inning of his young career. <span>Wilson Betemit</span> pinch hit, and had no prayer. Feliz went up the latter, dialing his fastball up slightly on each pitch -- topping out at 99 miles per hour -- and Betemit swung at all three for a short, ridiculous plate appearance. <span>Austin Jackson</span> at least saw a ball, but he also saw a fastball that topped 101, and nothing below 99, and also swung and missed at three pitches before having a seat. Against <span>Ryan Raburn</span>, Feliz mixed in two cutters, and needed three pitches, but the result was the same: strikeout swinging.</p>
<p>Three swinging strikes that must be seen to be believed. Feliz did not just strike out the side to give the Rangers the lead in the series, he made the Tigers' hitters look comical with seven swinging strikes in one inning. People have high hopes for what Feliz can be as a reliever, but this was another level altogether. It capped off a glorious night for the Rangers' bullpen, as the group came through to protect a tight lead in the biggest game of the season yet.</p>
<p>So now Texas has a one game lead in the series. Hopefully they get three more without their feeling like this, but they have knocked off the Tigers' best pitcher to get the first. It should go without saying that this is a huge boost to Texas's odds of winning and now they just have to .500 to clinch the division and all that stuff. It should also go without saying that the ALCS is far from over, especially if the Tigers can play the Rangers this close every night.</p>
<p>For now, rest easy knowing 1-0 is way better than 0-1.</p>
<h4>GAME CHARTS</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2011-10-08&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2011">FanGraphs' Win Expectancy</a></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/741819/wpa.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Wpa_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/741819/wpa_medium.png"></a> <br id="1318140744573"></p>
<p><b>Biggest Contributions </b>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/library/index.php/misc/wpa/">What is this, I don't even. . . ?</a>)</p>
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<li>Alexi Ogando 19%</li>
<li>Neftali Feliz 19%</li>
<li>Darren Oliver 10%</li>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/zoneTrack.php?month=10&day=8&year=2011&game=gid_2011_10_08_detmlb_texmlb_1%2F&prevDate=108">Tim Welke's Strikezone from Brooks Baseball</a></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/741823/strikezone.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Strikezone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/741823/strikezone_medium.png"></a> <br id="1318140790544"></p>
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<br><a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/9/2478441/alcs-game-one-player-of-the-game">VOTE FOR THE PLAYER OF THE GAME!</a>
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https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/9/2478438/alcs-sets-stressful-early-toneRobbie Griffin2011-10-09T00:22:43-05:002011-10-09T00:22:43-05:00ALCS Game One - Player Of The Game
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<p><br> </p>↵<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">↵<div class="pane sports_data_widget events clearfix">↵<table class="box-score">↵<thead> ↵<tr>↵<th class="td-left"> <span>Final - 10.8.2011 </span> </th> <th> 1 </th> <th> 2 </th> <th> 3 </th> <th> 4 </th> <th> 5 </th> <th> 6 </th> <th> 7 </th> <th> 8 </th> <th> 9 </th> <th>R</th> <th>H</th> <th>E</th>↵</tr>↵</thead> ↵<tbody>↵<tr>↵<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> </span></td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>2</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td class="highlight">2</td>↵<td class="highlight">7</td>↵<td class="highlight">1</td>↵</tr>↵<tr>↵<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> </span></td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>2</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>1</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>X</td>↵<td class="highlight">3</td>↵<td class="highlight">6</td>↵<td class="highlight">0</td>↵</tr>↵<tr>↵<td colspan="13">WP: <span>Alexi Ogando</span> (1 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Neftali Feliz</span> (4) <br> LP: <span>Justin Verlander</span> (1 - 1)</td>↵</tr>↵</tbody>↵</table>↵<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>↵</div>↵<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">↵↵<p><br id="1318137561338"> The Rangers' string of wins in tight games continues, and they find themselves in the early driver's seat in the ALCS; three wins from defending their American League crown.</p>↵<p>Vote for the player of game one.</p>↵
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/9/2478441/alcs-game-one-player-of-the-gameRobbie Griffin2011-10-08T22:30:37-05:002011-10-08T22:30:37-05:00ALCS Game 1, Tigers Vs. Rangers: Rain Delay Set To End At 10:45
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<p>Per <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/espn_durrett/status/122874184564080640" target="_blank">ESPN Dallas' Richard Durrett</a>, the second rain delay in Game 1 of the ALCS between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> is set to end around 10:45 p.m. CT. </p>
<p>When play resumes, the Tigers will have the bases loaded and two outs, with <span>Alex Avila</span> coming to the plate. The Rangers currently lead 3-2, but that's all subject to change as the Tigers could take the lead with a single. </p>
<p>In the meantime, enjoy the news on your local FOX affiliate.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/8/2478273/alcs-game-1-tigers-vs-rangers-rain-delay-set-to-end-at-10-45JP Starkey2011-10-08T22:26:42-05:002011-10-08T22:26:42-05:00ALCS Game 1: Rangers, Tigers In Second Rain Delay
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<p>Stop me if you've heard this before in the past week, but so much for the big pitching matchup featuring <span>Justin Verlander</span>. </p>
<p>Game 1 of the ALCS between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> is currently stuck in its second rain delay of the evening, with the Rangers currently leading the Tigers 3-2 in the fifth inning, but with trouble looming, as the Tigers have scored twice in the fifth and still have the bases loaded with two outs.</p>
<p>It's not terribly likely that either Wilson or Verlander will remain in the game when the tarp comes back off the field. Wilson has thrown 96 pitches through 4 and 2/3 innings so far, allowing six hits and issuing five walks while striking out six. </p>
<p>Verlander, on the other hand, has pitched four innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two. </p>
<p>Texas scored two runs in the second inning, as <span>David Murphy</span> tripled to score <span>Mike Napoli</span>, before <span>Ian Kinsler</span> singled Murphy home. Nelson Cruz added a solo home run in the fourth inning.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/8/2478262/alcs-game-1-rangers-tigers-in-second-rain-delayJP Starkey2011-10-08T17:05:13-05:002011-10-08T17:05:13-05:00ALCS, Rangers Vs. Tigers: Texas Announces Game 1 Lineup
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<p>Game 1 of the ALCS is due to start in just over two hours, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/MLB/status/122791957968863233" target="_blank">Ron Washington has announced </a>the starting lineup as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> continue to defend their American League pennant from 2010.</p>
<p><span>Ian Kinsler</span>, 2B<br><span>Elvis Andrus</span>, SS<br><span>Josh Hamilton</span>, CF<br><span>Michael Young</span>, DH<br><span>Adrian Beltre</span>, 3B<br><span>Mike Napoli</span>, C<br>Nelson Cruz, RF<br><span>David Murphy</span>, LF<br><span>Mitch Moreland</span>, 1B</p>
<p><span>C.J. Wilson</span>, SP</p>
<p>Nothing here is surprising. Washington started Hamilton in centerfield against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a>, so it's not surprising that he's doing it again in the ALCS against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>. </p>
<p>Texas' lineup will hopefully grind out tough at bats against <span>Justin Verlander</span>, and at the very least, get his pitch count up in the early part of the game.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/8/2477737/alcs-rangers-vs-tigers-texas-announces-game-1-lineupJP Starkey2011-10-08T15:44:19-05:002011-10-08T15:44:19-05:00ALCS Game 1: Detroit Tigers Announce Lineup
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<p><a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/8/2477593/rangers-vs-tigers-jim-leylands-game-1-lineup" target="new">Jim Leyland announced his </a><span class="caps">ALCS</span> Game 1 lineup as the Tigers take on C.J. Wilson and the Texas Rangers in Arlington on Saturday night, and, for once, he placed Miguel Cabrera where he should be in the lineup.</p>
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<p>1. Austin Jackson, CF<br>
2. Ryan Raburn, LF<br>
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B<br>
4. Victor Martinez#, DH<br>
5. Magglio Ordonez, RF<br>
6. Alex Avila*, C<br>
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS<br>
8. Ramon Santiago#, 2B<br>
9. Brandon Inge, 3B</p>
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<p>Justin Verlander is starting on the mound for the Tigers as well.</p>
<p>Obviously, Delmon Young is not in the lineup, as he’s not even on the roster. Young exited Game 5 of the <span class="caps">ALDS</span> against the Yankees with an oblique strain.</p>
<p>Detroit’s lineup certainly isn’t that scary, but they do have arguably the best hitter on the planet in Cabrera. Wilson faced the Tigers once this season, allowing four runs on seven hits while issuing four walks in six and two thirds innings of work.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/8/2477620/alcs-game-1-detroit-tigers-announce-lineupJP Starkey2011-10-08T11:19:40-05:002011-10-08T11:19:40-05:00ALCS Game 1: Rangers Face Off Against Tigers, Justin Verlander
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<p>The Rangers open up the ALCS on Saturday against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers.</p> <p>Four wins is all that separates the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> from a return trip to the World Series -- and Texas' first shot at one of those wins comes tonight as the Rangers play host to <span>Justin Verlander</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> in Game 1 of the ALCS.</p>
<p>Ron Washington's Rangers haven't played a game since Tuesday's ALDS clinching victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a>. The Rangers dropped Game 1 of that series before winning the next three games to advance to the ALCS.</p>
<p><span>C.J. Wilson</span> starts for the Rangers in Game 1, as he's set to make his first start since Game 1 of the ALDS over a week ago. Wilson, who pitched at a high level during the regular season, was shelled against the Rays, giving up eight runs (six earned) on seven hits while walking one in five innings. </p>
<p>Wilson will certainly need to be sharper against the Tigers as he's opposed by virtual Cy Young lock Justin Verlander. Verlander had one of the best seasons in recent memory for a pitcher, going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA, .192 BAA, .92 WHIP while striking out 250 batters in 251 innings of work. </p>
<p>Verlander started two games in the ALDS against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, though, he only lasted one inning in Game 1 because it was suspended due to rain. In his Game 3 start against the Yankees in Detroit, Verlander pitched eight innings, giving up four runs on six hits, walking three and striking out 11 as the Tigers won 5-4.</p>
<p>If you believe at all in momentum in baseball, then the Tigers, who are sending Verlander to the mound after defeating the Yankees in the Bronx in a decisive Game 5 on Thursday certainly hold the edge. We'll see if the rest has done the Rangers well as they play for the first time since Tuesday.</p>
<p>First pitch from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Televised coverage for the ALCS shifts to FOX.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/8/2477141/alcs-game-1-rangers-face-off-against-tigers-justin-verlanderJP Starkey