Kinsler, Beltre Home Runs Win ALDS Game 4 for Texas Rangers to Advance to ALCS

Ian Kinsler started Game 4 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field off right by hitting a lead-off homer today. Adrian Beltre went on to hit three more solo homers. These four home runs accounted for the four runs that the Texas Rangers scored today on the Tampa Bay Rays.

Matt Harrison started for the Rangers today. He allowed only two runs over five innings and was getting the Rays out like it was nothing (nine total in his five innings of play); however, Ron Washington decided to take Harrison out of the game and brough in starting left-handed pitcher Derek Holland. Derek Holland pitched 1.1 innings permitting only one hit and was then replaced by Mike Adams to pitch the final 2/3 of the 7th inning. Alexi Ogando came in to pitch the 8th inning and struck out Evan Longoria immediately with three pitches – it was a 1-2-3 inning. And, you know, I knew it was the right move for Ogando to be moved to the bullpen because he has been fantastic for Texas pitching from there; however, I miss seeing him start. Coming in to finish off the game was Neftali Feliz who threw his magic and closed off the game, despite walking the second batter he faced (Rodriguez, who ended up scoring) to send his team to the American League Championship Series! Woot woot!

A highlight of the game was when Sean Rodriguez scored for Tampa Bay and literally plowed right into Mike Napoli at the plate.

Final Score: Rangers 4, Tampa Bay 3.

The Rangers were homer happy today – let’s hope they can take this momentum into the ALCS, where they will play either the New York Yankees or the Detroit Tigers. Who do you think will be the Rangers’ opponents in the 2011 American League Championship Series? Do you think they have what it takes to make a second-consecutive World Series appearance and possibly take the win this year?