Neftali Feliz closed the door for the Rangers in Game 5 of the 2011 World Series as Texas defeated St. Louis by a final score of 4-2. The win gives the Rangers a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Feliz began the ninth by hitting lead off man Allen Craig with a breaking ball that brought Albert Pujols to the plate as the potential game tying run. After starting the at bat with two quick strikes, Feliz ran the count full against Pujols. With the runner going, Feliz fired a fastball by Pujols and Mike Napoli gunned down Craig at second for a double play.
With two outs, Feliz walked Matt Holiday to bring up the potential tying run yet again in Lance Berkman. Feliz got Berkman to swing and miss strike three on a ball that caromed off of catcher Mike Napoli who had to retrieve the ball half way up the first base line and throw to first to get Berkman for the final out of the game.
For more on the 2011 World Series, Rangers fans should check out Lone Star Ball and Cardinals fans should join the conversation at Viva El Birdos.