We already told you that CC Sabathia allowed a three-run home run to Josh Hamilton in the first inning. When that happened, the Rangers had zero outs. Sabathia still had to get three, and it took him a little while to do it. A recap:
Rangers Vs. Yankees, ALCS Game 1: CC Sabathia Catches Break, Works Out Of Jam
- Vladimir Guerrero fly out (2 pitches)
- Nelson Cruz single (6 pitches)
- Ian Kinsler walk (6 pitches)
- Jeff Francoeur pop out (4 pitches)
- Matt Treanor walk (4 pitches)
After Hamilton's homer, Sabathia proceeded to load the bases, and then, facing nine-spot hitter Jorge Cantu, he threw a fastball too high for Jorge Posada to handle. The pitch escaped behind Posada and went all the way to the backstop, seemingly allowing Cruz to score from third. However, the ball took a perfect ricochet back to Posada, who was able to return it to Sabathia at the plate in time to just barely tag Cruz on the arm. That play ended the frame, and preserved the score at 3-0.
A break for the Yankees, but even still, it was a wonderful inning for the Rangers. They got their lead, and they forced Sabathia to throw 36 pitches - only 16 of which were strikes.
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