After a frustrating top of the sixth, the Rangers handed the ball to rookie Michael Kirkman in the bottom half, looking to get him his first postseason experience of his career. And all things considered, it went pretty well.
Rangers Vs. Yankees, ALCS Game 5: Michael Kirkman Escapes Jam In Playoff Debut
Kirkman allowed a leadoff double to Curtis Granderson, off the wall down the left field line. It very nearly escaped for a short home run. Brett Gardner then bunted Granderson to third, and Derek Jeter drew a hard-fought walk.
That brought up Nick Swisher, but rather than give in, Kirkman went after him and got ahead 0-2. On the fifth pitch of the at bat, Kirkman offered a high-outside slider, and Swisher grounded it to second for a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play.
Kirkman's first inning was a scoreless one, and Kerry Wood is on to work the top of the seventh for the Yankees, who still lead 6-2.
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