Rangers Lack Of Offense In Game 1 Of WS,Cost Them

Texas' second, third, and fourth spots in lineup, were all hitless in game one of the World Series. Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre both had two hits a piece. The only offense the Rangers could muster up was from Mike Napoli, who hit a two run home run in the fifth inning that tied the game at two runs a piece.

The Rangers had a chance to take the lead in the ball game, when Ian Kinsler was on second base in the sixth inning, with one out. Josh Hamilton hit a fly ball to center field, then Ian Kinsler moved over to third base. Michael Young, who has been struggling like Josh Hamilton in this years postseason, hit a ground ball down the first base line. Albert Pujols made an outstanding play to throw out Michael Young at first base to end the inning.

The St. Louis Cardinals took advantage in their half of the sixth inning, when David Freese doubled on a line drive to right field. With two outs C. J. Wilson walked Nick Punto. Allen Craig pinch hits and singles to right field off reliable Alexi Ogando, to score David Freese to make the score 3-2.

The Rangers had chances to take the lead in the seventh inning, but they could not produce the clutch hit. The first game of the World Series, went down to which manager, managed the game the best. St. Louis' Tony La Russa is up one game on Rangers' manager Ron Washington.

Ron Washington had Nellie Cruz on second base and Mike Napoli on first base, with only one out. He had Craig Gentry pinch hit for David Murphy, against St. Louis pitcher Marc Rzepczynski. Craig Gentry was called out on strikes. Ron Washington had Esteban German pinch hit for Alexi Ogando, when he had Yorvit Torrealba available in the dugout. Esteban German, who has only fourteen at bats and not even on the ALDS or ALCS postseason roster, strikes out swinging.

"Ron Washington said, he felt like Esteban German, was a good choice at that time of the game. He felt like German was the better match-up, in that situation."

Both, St. Louis and Texas offensive power were both frozen, with the weather and temperature in the low 40's being the coldest in any World Series. However, for the Rangers to win this series and a World Championship, both Josh Hamilton and Michael Young have to be more productive at the plate. Ian Kinsler, Adrian Beltre, Nellie Cruz, and Mike Napoli have been the most productive through out the postseason this year.

"If this years World Series, comes down to which manager manages the game. Will Tony La Russa continue his magic? Ron Washington said, he likes managing baseball games the way the National League is played, with no designated hitter."

If game one is any indication of a pitchers dual, St. Louis may have the upper hand. However, if Josh Hamilton and Michael Young contribute at the plate like they are used to doing, Rangers should have the upper hand.

The St. Louis Cardinals have a 1-0 lead on the Texas Rangers, but there is still a lot of baseball to be played. When you think a seven game series is a lot of time to make adjustments, really it's over before you know it.

Rangers' Colby Lewis hopes to even the series tonight. Colby Lewis is the most successful pitcher in postseason with a 4-1 record.

(RHP) Colby Lewis vs (LHP) Jaime Garcia