Pujols Two Homers Not Enough As Rangers Erase 3-Run Deficit In Extra Innings To Win In An Instant Classic.
With the post-season for the MLB approaching, things got crazy last night down in Arlington as the Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels in come-from-behind fashion. The Rangers extended their division league to 4 games over the Angels and are now a half game behind the Yankees for the top record in the AL.
Before this four-game series began, the Angels were down five games in the win, loss column as they dominated the first two games outscoring the Rangers 21-10 with hopes for a sweep to inch closer in taking AL West supremacy. Last night in game 3 of the series, things were looking to go in that direction initially as Yu Darvish gave up 7 runs before the 5th inning even started. With the game blown wide open, the Rangers kept their heads high and never game up at any point of this game. The runner-up for play of the night would be in the 9th inning as Ian Kinsler would hit a game-tying home run to send the game extra innings. The next inning, Angels catcher Chris Iannetta would hit a solo home run on righty Joe Nathan to give the his team a 9-8 lead. In the same inning with one on base, Albert Pujols would hit his 2nd HR of the game (22nd of the year) to give his team a commanding 10-8 lead.
Not to be discouraged by the top of the 10th, RF Nelson Cruz hit a solo home-run deep to left to start what would be a come from behind win for the Rangers. Relief pitchers Ernesto Frieri and Jason Isringhausen would soon load the bases due to loosing some velocity in key pitches. With the bases loaded, first baseman Mitch Moreland, would soon hit a single bringing in a run to make it a 10-9 game. 2 batters later with the bases still loaded, Elvis Andrus would become the hero of the game as he hit his 3rd career walk-off hit bringing in two runs to give the Rangers a 11-10 victory.
Tonight’s match-up is virtually Must See TV Thursday as newly acquired starter, Ryan Dempster makes his inaugural debut as with the Rangers as he goes head-to-head with Angels ace, C.J. Wilson.