"My season? It's over: that's how I would describe it." -Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter after Game Six of the ALCS, when asked how he would describe his season.
You'll have to excuse the title. That represented the New Orleans Saints last year-and I guess it still does-but the Texas Rangers, who came into last night's game having never won a playoff series before last week, and having been eliminated in all three previous trips to the playoffs by the New York Yankees, beat the Yankees 6-1 in Game Six of the ALCS, sending the Yankees home for the winter, and making their first-ever World Series.
Vladimir Guerrero made the Yankees pay for intentionally walking Josh Hamilton in front of him three times by wracking up three RBIs, including a 2-run double in the fifth that broke a 1-1 tie and essentially won the game. Nelson Cruz belted a two-run homer immediately afterward to make it 5-1, and Ian Kinsler added a sacrifice fly next inning to reach the final margin of 6-1. Colby Lewis, who won Game 2 of this series a year after pitching in Japan, pitched eight solid innings, striking out the side in the eighth. Elvis Andrus and Kinsler made key defensive stops against the Yankees, and rookie closer Neftali Feliz, just 22 years old, struck out Alex Rodriguez looking to end the ninth, setting up fireworks, throaty roars, Ginger Ale showers, and a giant pile of Rangers on the mound.
One columnist has already written that this is the first time baseball has really gained a foothold in Texas, where football has always reigned supreme. Now the World Series will come to Arlington next week (albeit for Games 3, 4 (and, if necessary, 5) since the National League won homefield advantage in the All-Star Game), and make a once-mocked franchise history.
Phil Hughes took the loss for the Yankees, David Robertson gave up the Cruz home run to the first batter he faced, Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera pitched scoreless ball, but other than Alex Rodriguez scoring on a controversial passed ball in the third inning, the Yankees' bats were silent. They mustered just three hits and one walk against Lewis, and nothing against Feliz. They now face an off-season where manager Joe Girardi, shortstop Derek Jeter, closer Mariano Rivera, and pitcher Andy Pettite will need new contracts. Pettite, in particular, must decide where he wants to retire or come back again.
Either way, the Yankees' world-championship defense is over. The Rangers are in for the first time (with a humble Hamilton as MVP) and are waiting on an opponent. Game Six of the NLCS (Giants lead the Phillies 3-2) will be played Saturday night in Philadelphia.
No comments:
Post a Comment