Power at the Park

Cliff Lee looked more out of place than like an ace last night in the opening game of the World Series. The Rangers’ stellar starter was battered by the Bay in Texas’ 11-7 drubbing by the Giants. San Francisco handed Lee his first career post-season loss as they attacked the lefty for six earned runs. Texas gave Lee a 2-0 lead early, but the Giants soon swung things in their favor to take game one at AT&T Park.
Freddy Sanchez doubled before Cody Ross and Aubrey Huff hammered two-out singles in the six run fifth frame to break a 2-2 tie and chase Lee from the game. Tim Lincecum pitched well after a shaky start for the Giants. The San Francisco starter botched a rundown in the first inning and was tagged for a run on a Vlad Guerrero base hit off his shin. The Rangers tallied a second run in the second off Lincecum on Elvis Andrus’ sacrifice fly, but the Giants forged a comeback in the third to tie the game. Michael Young booted a third base grounder by Edgar Renteria to begin the frame. Andres Torres was hit by a pitch following the error and Sanchez lined a double to put the NL champions on board. Buster Posey’s game tying single followed.
The Rangers committed four errors during the sloppy contest, including a one by Andrus in the bottom of the fifth as the Giant bats came alive. It was the biggest post-season inning for San Francisco since the 1937 World Series. Pat Burrell was the only hitter who did not record a hit for the home team. Lee fanned seven but the Giants were able to knock the ace around for eight hits. San Francisco also succeeded in keeping ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, hitless in four trips to the plate. Sanchez keyed San Francisco with four hits and contributed three RBIs. The powerful slugger stroked three doubles to set a World Series record. Huff accounted for three hits and a stolen base, and Juan Uribe added a solo homerun as the impressive Giants defeated the resolute Rangers.
Lincecum went 5 2/3 innings despite giving off little semblance of stardom to earn the win. He was effective enough and at one point retired 13 of 14 batters he faced. Lincecum left the game with an 8-4 advantage. Bruce Bochy used a harvest of relievers to retire the Rangers in the final four frames. Texas collected two runs in the sixth and three in the ninth to keep the score respectable. The Giants weren’t perfect on defense, committing three errors of their own. But the offense executed when it needed to, and the bullpen shut the door on a high scoring affair. The Giants send Matt Cain to the mound to oppose southpaw, C.J. Wilson in game two tonight in San Francisco.

Parting Points: Joe Girardi and the Yanks agreed on a three year contract.