Rangers Vs. Yankees, ALCS Game 4: Darren Oliver Escapes Major Jam In Eighth
The Ranger bullpen helped them out. Derek Holland walked the leadoff batter. Darren O'Day came in and walked one of the two guys he faced. Clay Rapada then walked Robinson Cano to load the bases with one out, despite the fact that the Yankees hadn't put a ball in play.
Ron Washington went to the bullpen and called on Darren Oliver to try and get out of the jam. The first batter Oliver faced was Nick Swisher, and in an 0-1 count, Oliver threw a low, inside breaking ball that appeared to clip Swisher's right pant leg. The umpire, however, ruled it a ball, and Swisher flew out to shallow center shortly thereafter.
It was a huge, huge break for the Rangers. The next batter - Lance Berkman - grounded a ball sharply to third base, but Michael Young was able to pick it out of the dirt and make a throw to second in time for the force out. That ended the inning, and left the Yankees still behind by four.
There’s going to be a lot for fans to complain about, as the Swisher non-HBP was an important play. But there’s no going back now. What’s done is done, and the Rangers find themselves in excellent position.
