In 2011, having lost the World Series (to the San Francisco Giants) the previous year, the Texas Rangers were one strike away from winning the World Series—on two occasions. They lost the World Series (to the St Louis Cardinals). Today, as I sat watching in disbelief, the Rangers were one strike away from winning the American League West Division title. They lost the game and may yet lose the West Division title. It's embarrassing, humiliating, and disgusting. The good news is that the Rangers can still win the West Division title. If the Houston Astros lose either tonight or tomorrow, or if the Rangers win tomorrow, the Rangers win the West.
As for yesterday's game, which Katherine, Luki, and I attended, it was a classic pitcher's duel (Martin Perez versus Jered Weaver) until Mike Trout and Albert Pujols went to work. Triple; single; one-run lead. The Rangers lost to Los Angeles of Anaheim, 2-1. We went home disappointed, without bothering to stay for fireworks. Today, the Rangers were behind 5-1 at one point, went ahead 10-6, and lost, 11-10. Our pitching staff is depleted. (We used nine pitchers today.) I fully expect another loss tomorrow, which means the Rangers are counting on the Arizona Diamondbacks to beat Houston today or tomorrow. Is it desirable to back into a divisional title? No. But at this point, I'll take it.
