It was assumed that the Texas Rangers would win game one of the World Series. The biggest and really one reason was that they had Cliff Lee. Lee has gained some sort of reputation as being a huge game pitcher and while he’s fared well in the playoffs everyone was over looking some other keys.
The Giants had the NL Cy Young winner from the last two seasons on the mound. While Lincecum wasn’t pitching with his best stuff last night the fact is he kept the Rangers to two runs in the first two innings. During that time the Rangers could have knocked the Giants out of the game. Simply put Lincecum didn’t buckle, pitched into the sixth at which time the Giants had taken a commanding 8-2 lead.
Did we even mention that the game was being held in San Fransisco? That caused Texas manager Ron Washington to have to start Vladimir Guerrero in right field. The result was two goofy errors and a decline in the Rangers defensive ability.
And then have we forgotten that the Giants, much like the Rangers, had been written off when the playoffs started. They have channeled the same sort of momentum that Texas had.
This series is far from over and should the Rangers leave with a split heading back to Texas they will be feeling good about themselves no matter if they won game one or game two.
Looking at the teams talent wise you have to give the nod to the Rangers in just about every part of the game. The managerial advantage shifts to the Giants with Bruce Bochy and his staff having the edge over Ron Washington and company.
But when it comes to heart or desire it’s a push. No one expected either team to be where they are. And for that reason alone you can’t rule either team out.
