2011 ALCS Game 1 – Rangers Take Tigers 3-2 Through Two Rain Delays

With green, red and orange covering the DFW area on the weather map, it was inevitable there would be at least one rain delay. Instead, there were two. The Rangers were up 3-0 on the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the 2011 ALCS leaving Justin Verlander a little on the uneasy side especially after that solo blast from Nelson Cruz; however, after the first rain delay, which lasted more than 30 minutes, the Tigers brought their A-game whereas C.J. Wilson did not. When Wilson came out after that first delay, he simply was not himself. Wilson allowed two runs and the bases were loaded when the second rain delay was called.

Regardless of Wilson’s off-inning, the bullpen was absolutely phenomenal and took care of everything. Mike Gonzalez was the first one out of the bullpen and came into a two-out, bases loaded situation with Alex Avila at-bat. Avila grounded out and Gonzalez had done just what he needed to.

Alexi Ogando came in and took care of the sixth and seventh innings with ease. While it is usually Mike Adams who handles the eighth inning, Ron Washington chose to bring in Darren Oliver because of the left-handed batters coming up to the plate. Oliver took care of the eighth and Neftali Feliz came in for the ninth inning to close the game out and keep the Rangers 3-2 lead, which was the final score of the game.

Tonight will be Game 2 of the ALCS and I will be there at the game thanks to free tickets, courtesy of Chevrolet! Look for a recap late tonight or tomorrow! Hopefully, there won’t be rain delays tonight!