World Series Game 5: David Murphy Replaces Jeff Francoeur In Rangers Starting Lineup

Though the Rangers got shut out by Madison Bumgarner and Brian Wilson in a 4-0 Game 4 loss that pushed them to the brink of elimination, smart fans knew better than to count on Ron Washington to make big changes to his lineup.

The Game 5 lineups are out, and sure enough, Washington is sticking with what's familiar. The only change of any significance is that David Murphy will slide in to replace Jeff Francoeur, but the two outfielders have been platooning, and with the right-handed Tim Lincecum taking the mound for the Giants, it makes sense to get the left-handed Murphy into the game.

Murphy will play in left field, while Nelson Cruz moves back to right. Bengie Molina will catch Cliff Lee behind the plate, and Mitch Moreland remains at first base. As the Rangers have had the best offense of the month - with a team .264 average and .760 OPS in the playoffs - there's not much reason for Washington to shake things up, Sunday be damned. If the lineup fails to produce, it won't be the manager's fault.

Elvis Andrus, SS
Michael Young, 3B
Josh Hamilton, CF
Vladimir Guerrero, DH
Nelson Cruz, RF
Ian Kinsler, 2B
David Murphy, LF
Bengie Molina, C
Mitch Moreland, 1B