The last spot for League Championship Series will be decided tonight. And it's must see TV. Two of the AL's best pitchers go head to head in a rematch of Game 1. David Price, who struggled early and often against the Rangers last Wednesday, will look to redeem himself as a home team tries for the fifth time for its first victory in this series. Last time out, Cliff Lee looked like he was going to give up quite a few runs in the first inning, but escaped with a few questionable call from the HP Umpire, and it was downhill for the Rays from then on.
Tonight it's a different story for the Rangers. The Rays two most productive hitters, Longoria and Pena, have looked better in the last two games. Longoria looks to be healthy again, and Pena is seeing the ball better from lefties. By winning the last two games in Arlington, the Rays have stolen back home field advantage and the pendulum they call momentum is now in full sway towards the Rays. David Price was unbelievably effective as a rookie in the postseason two years ago, however he was coming out of the bullpen, but was hit early on in his first career postseason start. Price cannot afford to come out and throw like he did on Wednesday for one reason. He's facing, in this fan's opinion, the best pitcher the AL has to offer in Texas' Cliff Lee. Lee is 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA, 6 BB and 47 1/3 IN in 6 starts in his postseason career. Here's a guy who won't help your team out a lick. In 212 1/3 IP this year, Cliff Lee has walked a miniscule 18 batters, which is less than 1 per 9 IP. If you're the Rays hitters in this matchup, you have to know that if you don't get to Lee early, than you probably won't get to him at all.
The Rangers need to get at least 7 strong innings out of Cliff Lee, or they could find themselves in trouble. In all likelihood, Price will go about 7 innings, and you need Lee to match him inning for inning. The same rule applies to the Rangers as does the Rays. If you're going to get to Price, you need to get to him early. You cannot let this young gun get into a groove, or it could be a long night.
My Outcome:
The Rangers break their little skid and squeeze through to the ALCS. Texas has finally found some quality pitching to go along with that high powered offense. Cliff Lee pitches them into the ALCS to face the well rested Yankees.
In a pitcher's duel, the Rangers will win 3-2. At least this fan thinks so.
Congratulations to the Texas rangers for winning their first ever playoff series.
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