SB Nation Dallas - Rangers Even Up World Series With 4-0 Winhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2011-10-24T09:01:48-05:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22725172011-10-24T09:01:48-05:002011-10-24T09:01:48-05:002011 World Series Game 4 - Morning After Thoughts
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<p>Growing up watching the World Series, I have always loved the big moments, where we all know something incredible has happened, and the booth goes silent so we can listen to the crowd react as we sit on our couches and take in the magic of October. Those are the best part of baseball to me, but never had I gotten to see the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> in one.</p>
<p>Until last night, though, one of those moments had never involved a Ranger. Derek Holland's standing ovation as he walked off the mound was the kind of think Texas fans have long waited for, and it was special. While Joe Buck gets a lot of (deserved) criticism, he does no when to shut up and let the crowd take over, and it made the ovation all the better.</p>
<p>You could argue what happened last night was the best game ever pitched by a Texas Ranger. It was not quite as dominant as a couple of Cliff Lee's starts last season, but given the danger of the lineup and the championship leverage of the situation, it deserves a ton of consideration.</p>
<p>It's obvious the game affected the complexion of the World Series. Here is what the model used from the <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/19/2498341/the-world-series-preview-rangers-vs-cardinals">series preview</a> says about it:</p>
<ul>
<li>The win did not just tie the series, the model says it made them once again the favorites to take home the trophy. The Rangers now come out as 61% to win the World Series. Not quite as strong as it looked before the series or coming to Arlington, but still comfortable favorites. They currently need "merely" to win a three game series with <span>Kyle Lohse</span> starting one game, and the other at home. Of course, they are also playing a good team.</li>
<li>The loss would have dropped them down to 18% to win. You knew Holland's start was huge, but if you needed some idea of the leverage, there you go.</li>
<li>Tomorrow's game comes out dramatically in favor of Texas, just like the one they lost 16-7 (though closer). A win does not actually bump the percentage as much as you might hope, as a result. Only 77% since they should be expected to win, and then go on the road.</li>
<li>A loss and the chances of winning it all plummet to 27%.</li>
</ul>
<p>Obviously, the loser of game five will be facing elimination from here on out. For most of the rest of the fans of baseball, it is probably happy to have a series going on that looks like it should be exciting. We haven't gotten those very often lately. For Rangers fans, game five will likely be the most stressful event in franchise history. The meaningful difference between winning and losing is something we have never experienced before.</p>
<p>By the way, this will also be the first time Tony LaRussa has ever managed a World Series game six.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/24/2509859/2011-world-series-game-4-morning-after-thoughtsRobbie Griffin2011-10-23T23:13:19-05:002011-10-23T23:13:19-05:00Player Of 2011 World Series Game Four
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<p></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 - 10.23.2011 </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.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> </span></td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td class="highlight">0</td>↵<td class="highlight">2</td>↵<td class="highlight">0</td>↵</tr>↵<tr>↵<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> </span></td>↵<td>1</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>3</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>0</td>↵<td>X</td>↵<td class="highlight">4</td>↵<td class="highlight">6</td>↵<td class="highlight">0</td>↵</tr>↵<tr>↵<td colspan="13">WP: <span>Derek Holland</span> (1 - 0) <br> LP: <span>Edwin Jackson</span> (0 - 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="1319429254655"> <br>Behind a legendary pitching performance from Derek Holland, the Rangers have tied the series 2-2. Vote for the player of the game here.</p>↵
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509850/player-of-2011-world-series-game-fourRobbie Griffin2011-10-23T23:06:57-05:002011-10-23T23:06:57-05:002011 World Series Game Four Recap: Derek Holland Becomes Immortal
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<h3>Current Series</h3>
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<h4>7 game series vs Cardinals @ Busch Stadium</h4>
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<td class="td-first">Wed 10/19</td>
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WP: Chris Carpenter (1 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Jason Motte</span> <br> LP: C.J. Wilson (0 - 1) <br>
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<td class="td-last"><span>2 - 3 loss</span></td>
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<td class="td-first">Thu 10/20</td>
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WP: <span>Mike Adams</span> (1 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Neftali Feliz</span> <br> LP: Jason Motte (0 - 1) <br>
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<td class="td-last"><span>2 - 1 win</span></td>
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<td class="td-first">Sat 10/22</td>
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WP: <span>Lance Lynn</span> (1 - 0) <br> LP: <span>Matt Harrison</span> (0 - 1) <br>
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<td class="td-last"><span>7 - 16 loss</span></td>
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<td class="td-first">Sun 10/23</td>
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WP: Derek Holland (1 - 0) <br> LP: <span>Edwin Jackson</span> (0 - 1) <br>
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<td class="td-last"><span>4 - 0 win</span></td>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> <span id="blog_icon_937721482" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_937721482_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/"><img alt="Birdos_m" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/195/birdos_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Viva El Birdos</a></span></span></span> <br> <span>@ <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> <span id="blog_icon_1010540974" 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_1010540974_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>Monday, Oct 24, 2011, 7:05 PM CDT</span><br> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>Chris Carpenter</span> vs <span>C.J. Wilson</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
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<td class="td-first">Wed 10/26</td>
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<td class="td-last"><span>7:05 PM CDT</span></td>
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<td class="td-first">Thu 10/27</td>
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<td class="td-last"><span>7:05 PM CDT</span></td>
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<p><b>Magic Number: </b>2</p>
<p><span>Derek Holland's</span> mustache is filling in.</p>
<p>Oh, and he pitched eight and a third shutout innings to get his team tied 2-2 in the World Series.</p>
<p>Derek Holland was one of the elite prospects in the early days of Jon Daniels's rebuilding project. He was drafted in the 25th round, signed a year later, and had a 6.13 ERA in his first professional season, before tinkering with his release to become a fire-balling strikeout machine. The Lone Star Ball community once even ranked him first in the system, ahead of even Neftali Feliz and <span>Elvis Andrus</span>.</p>
<p>Since then, some have been frustrated by seemingly-slow growth. Some have been frustrated by merely being good, or too often having bad starts. In game four of the World Series, however, he was everything Rangers fans have always hoped he could be in the most important game in the history of the franchise.</p>
<p>Consider the start just beyond the 8.1 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 0 R line. He did not just go through some run-of-the-mill offense, the Cardinals lineup is good enough to likely rival even the Rangers' when you give them a solid DH (and <span>Allen Craig</span> may be better than a solid DH), with a No. 3 hitter who just crushed three homeruns against his teammates the night before. Seven strikeouts is nice enough, but it looks even better when you realize the Cardinals' 15.7% K rate was higher only than the Rangers in 2011</p>
<p>Holland's location was magnificent, keeping the ball low, and getting the Cardinals to repeatedly put the ball on the ground. When he wasn't striking someone out, they were grounding out harmlessly to the infield. Only two balls thrown by Holland even needed an outfielder to take care of -- neither particularly threatening -- and his rare relatively-hard-hit contact was taken care of by <span>Ian Kinsler</span> or <span>Adrian Beltre</span>.</p>
<p>No one outside of <span>Lance Berkman</span>, by the way, had a hit; and Berkman's single was quickly erased by a double play. Even the mighty <span>Albert Pujols</span> -- who some probably argued should be pitched around after last night -- was handled relatively-effortlessly by Holland. It was a start that fit the definition of dominant, and without it the Rangers might well be staring down the barrel of elimination right now.</p>
<p>In short, on Sunday night, Derek Holland did to St. Louis baseball what DeMarco Murray did to St. Louis football, and now he will forever live as a legend in Texas postseason lore for his help.</p>
<p>He needed little offensive support, but he got enough. Really, the Rangers better than four runs scored suggests, with 14 baserunners (eight walks), while finding the warning track with four different fly balls, including a first inning <span>David Murphy</span> blast with the bases loaded. It looked like Edwin Jackson would be blown apart in the first inning after <span>Josh Hamilton</span> doubled in a run with one out, and Texas loaded the bases for Murphy, but it Jackson continued to skate across thin ice unharmed.</p>
<p>Tony LaRussa was unwilling to let him skate for too long, however. After consecutive walks, he pulled Edwin Jackson for <span>Mitchell Boggs</span> to face <span>Mike Napoli</span>. Joe Buck said something about Boggs being great when he locates, and Tim McCarver said something about his pitch needing to be down. His first pitch was up, and Napoli deposited it on a glorious arc in to the upper deck of left field, giving Derek Holland runs he did not even need.</p>
<p>It was pretty cool at the moment, though.</p>
<p>It is easy to say things like "it is a whole different series now," and also overstated, but it is true. Game-to-game the series changes. Monday morning, the Rangers could have been praying for a miracle, but instead they will be looking at a home game with a chance to take firm control of the World Series.</p>
<p>Because Derek Holland showed up and came through.</p>
<h4>GAME CHARTS</h4>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=425&w=525&date=2011-10-23&team=Rangers&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="425" scrolling="no" width="525"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2011-10-23&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2011">FanGraphs</a></span></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>
<ol>
<li>Derek Holland 47%</li>
<li>Mike Napoli 17%</li>
<li>Josh Hamilton 4%</li>
</ol>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/zoneTrack.php?month=10&day=23&year=2011&game=gid_2011_10_23_slnmlb_texmlb_1%2F&prevDate=1023">Ron Kulpa's Strikezone from Brooks Baseball</a></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/760553/strikezone.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Strikezone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/760553/strikezone_medium.png"></a> <br id="1319429130986"></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509798/2011-world-series-game-four-recap-derek-holland-becomes-immortalRobbie Griffin2011-10-23T22:25:29-05:002011-10-23T22:25:29-05:00Cardinals Vs. Rangers Final Score: Texas Evens Up World Series With 4-0 Win
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> responded from a 16-7 drubbing with a 4-0 win in Game 4 of the World Series, evening up the best-of-seven series at two games a piece.</p>
<p>Things started off well for the Rangers, as Texas took a 1-0 lead after the first inning. <span>Josh Hamilton</span> belted a double down the right field line, scoring <span>Elvis Andrus</span> with one out in the first inning, putting the Rangers on the board first. </p>
<p>That was all <span>Derek Holland</span> would need, as the young lefty dominated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> all game long. Holland pitched eight and a third innings, surrendering just two walks and two hits. Both hits allowed by Holland were to <span>Lance Berkman</span>. </p>
<p>Holland was given an opportunity to finish the impressive effort, but after walking <span>Rafael Furcal</span> in the ninth, Ron Washington went to <span>Neftali Feliz</span> to close the game. </p>
<p>Feliz' command wasn't there at first, as he walked <span>Allen Craig</span>, but then retired <span>Albert Pujols</span> and <span>Matt Holliday</span> to end the game. </p>
<p>Texas extended their 1-0 lead in the sixth inning. <span>Edwin Jackson</span> retired <span>Adrian Beltre</span> to start the inning, but then walked Nelson Cruz and <span>David Murphy</span>. Tony La Russa opted to bring in <span>Mitchell Boggs</span> following Jackson's seventh walk of the game, and <span>Mike Napoli</span> made Jackson pay for the walks, as he sent Boggs' first pitch into the left field stands, giving the Rangers a 4-0 lead.</p>
<p>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday night as Chris Carpenter pitches for St. Louis against <span>C.J. Wilson</span> in a pivotal game. </p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509790/cardinals-vs-rangers-final-score-texas-evens-up-world-series-with-4-0JP Starkey2011-10-23T21:17:40-05:002011-10-23T21:17:40-05:00World Series Score: Napoli Homers, Rangers Extend Lead
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<p>The walks finally caught up to <span>Edwin Jackson</span>. Or the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> cashed in on all the walks. Whichever way you want to look at it, the Rangers now lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> 4-0 headed into the seventh inning of Game 4 of the World Series.</p>
<p>Jackson retired <span>Adrian Beltre</span> to begin the sixth, but then walked both Nelson Cruz and <span>David Murphy</span>, bringing up <span>Mike Napoli</span>. Tony La Russa then pulled Jackson from the game and brought in Mitchell Boggs. </p>
<p>Napoli didn't think much of Boggs' first pitch, as he belted it into left field for a three run homer.</p>
<p>The Rangers now lead 4-0 into the seventh. With how well <span>Derek Holland</span> has pitched, and <span>Mike Adams</span> and <span>Neftali Feliz</span> rested and ready to go in the bullpen, it sure looks like the Rangers are going to even up the World Series at two games a piece.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509666/world-series-score-napoli-homers-rangers-extend-leadJP Starkey2011-10-23T19:59:43-05:002011-10-23T19:59:43-05:00World Series Game 4: Derek Holland Excellent Through Three
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<p><span>Derek Holland</span> has been shaky this postseason, but that is not the case through the first three innings on Sunday night. In the biggest start of his career, Holland has pitched three scoreless innings to start off Game 4 of the World Series, surrendering only a one out double to <span>Lance Berkman</span>. </p>
<p>Holland has been fairly efficient as well, needing 44 pitches (29 strikes) through the first three innings of work. He'll have a tough task in the fourth inning, facing St. Louis' 2-3-4 hitters for a second time. </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> still lead 1-0 as the game heads into the bottom of the third. Texas let St. Louis' starter <span>Edwin Jackson</span> off the hook in the first inning, as Jackson had loaded the bases with a pair of walks following <span>Josh Hamilton's</span> double. Texas failed to capitalize, though, with <span>David Murphy</span> flying out to left center field to end the inning. </p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509513/world-series-game-4-derek-holland-excellent-through-threeJP Starkey2011-10-23T19:28:23-05:002011-10-23T19:28:23-05:00World Series Cardinals Vs. Rangers Score: Josh Hamilton's Double Gives Texas Early Lead
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<p>It didn't take long for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> to touch up <span>Edwin Jackson</span>. </p>
<p>After <span>Ian Kinsler</span> grounded out to <span>Rafael Furcal</span> to open up the bottom half of the first inning, <span>Elvis Andrus</span> lined a single into left field. <span>Josh Hamilton</span> then drove a hanging changeup on a 1-2 count into the right field corner for a double, scoring Andrus and giving the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. </p>
<p><span>Michael Young</span> followed up Hamilton's double with a four pitch walk. <span>Adrian Beltre</span> followed the walk with a strike out, and then Nelson Cruz walked to load the bases for <span>David Murphy</span>, who flew out to left field, stranding the bases loaded.</p>
<p>Jackson has been miserable in his last two postseason starts, so jumping on Jackson early will likely resonate in Tony La Russa's mind. Jackson is sure to have a short leash after he failed to escape the fifth inning in either of his last two starts.</p>
<p>Regardless, the Rangers lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> 1-0 after the first inning of play.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509425/world-series-cardinals-vs-rangers-score-josh-hamiltons-double-givesJP Starkey2011-10-23T18:06:28-05:002011-10-23T18:06:28-05:00World Series Game 4: Zooey Deschanel To Sing National Anthem
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<p>FOX never misses an opportunity to cross-promote. Star of FOX's new show, "New Girl," <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0221046/" target="_blank">Zooey Deschanel</a> will sing the national anthem prior to Game 4 of the World Series. </p>
<p>She's not exactly what comes to mind when I think of Texas, but, she's gaining popularity and has a show on FOX. Deschanel also has an album coming out on Tuesday, coming out on an independent label. There's some amusement to be found in the fact that Deschanel has a show on a major network, is singing the national anthem on national television prior to the World Series, but has an album coming out with an independent label. </p>
<p>Regardless, she's a better choice than Disney star Demi Lovato, who will be singing the Star Spangled Banner prior to Game 5 of the World Series on Monday night. Lovato, though, is a Dallas native at least.</p>
<p>First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2011/10/23/2509247/world-series-game-4-zooey-deschanel-to-sing-national-anthemJP Starkey