After watching the Giants take a narrow lead in the bottom of the fifth on an Edgar Renteria homer, the Rangers very nearly came right back in the sixth. For the second consecutive inning, they came very close to scoring a run against Matt Cain. And for the second consecutive inning, they couldn't.
World Series Game 2, Rangers Vs. Giants: Matt Cain Escapes Difficult Jam
The top of the sixth saw Elvis Andrus lead off with a harmless grounder. Up next, though, was Michael Young, who ripped a single into left, and then Josh Hamilton followed with a looper into right. Cody Ross attempted a diving catch, but all he was able to do was keep the ball near him after it bounced in front of his glove. It was actually something of a fortunate stop by Ross, as the ball easily could've gotten behind him.
Hamilton’s single put runners on first and second. Cain then promptly uncorked a wild pitch that allowed the runners to move up with the very dangerous Nelson Cruz standing in at the plate.
But Cruz popped up a low inside Cain fastball in foul territory by first base for the second out. Needing a hit, Ian Kinsler stepped in, but all Kinsler was able to do was send a fly ball into right, where Ross was able to make an easy, inning-ending catch.
The Rangers are now 0-6 with runners in scoring position, and they remain scoreless through six. Cain has thrown 80 pitches, and C.J. Wilson needs a shutdown inning in the worst way here in the bottom half.
See More:
