Elvis hasn’t quite yet left the building just yet.
With their backs against the wall, the Texas Rangers not only needed a dominant pitching performance, but they desperately need their potent offense to wake up. Lucky for them, they got both Saturday night in Arlington as the Rangers got back into the series with a 4-2 victory in Game 3. The win was the first World Series win in franchise history.
Colby Lewis delivered the huge outing that Rangers manager Ron Washington was looking for, throwing 7.2 innings, only allowing a pair of solo homers to Cody Ross and Andres Torres.
After a 20-pitch first inning, Lewis cruised, not allowing a run and only scattering three hits through the first 6.2 innings.
As good as Rangers ace Cliff Lee has been, it seems that every time the Rangers need a huge outing from another starter, Lewis comes through in a big way.
Another unsung type of player- Texas first baseman Mitch Moreland- got the Rangers offense jump started with a big three-run homer off Jonathan Sanchez in the second. It was only the first homer of the series for the Rangers, who many have felt would have the huge offensive advantage.
Josh Hamilton also added a bomb to put the Rangers up 4-0. The Giants cut the lead in half, but Rangers closer Neftali Feliz finally got to pitch in this series and made easy work of the Giants in the ninth.
Lewis not only pitched the rangers back into the series, but could he have possibly gave them the advantage?
That’s still to be determined, but we won’t have to wait long to find out. The key is Tommy Hunter. Hunter just has to pitch good tomorrow. You have to figure that the Rangers offense is going to have a huge game one of these days. If tomorrow is the day and Texas can even the series then they may possibly go from down 0-2 to in the drivers seat.
If they even things up, they will be giving the ball back to Lee for Game 5. The odds of me winning the Powerball are likely better then Lee pitching badly in back to back October starts. Granted, he will have to out pitch Tim Lincecum again, but it’s a winnable game for the Rangers with Lee on the mound.
Then suddenly the Rangers could find themselves up 3-2 headed back to San Francisco. Let’s even say we give Matt Cain the edge of C.J. Wilson again to knot the series at three, even though Wilson is more then capable of winning that game. Where does that leave us?
Back to Lewis. Who else right now would the Rangers rather give the ball to in a possible Game 7.
That’s looking way too far ahead though. In the meantime, all eyes are on you Tommy Hunter. You’re the key for the Rangers.
No pressure.
