by Spokane Indians
The Texas Rangers advanced to their second consecutive World Series, the first American League team to do so since the 1998-2001 New York Yankees, with a 15-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night. The Rangers will face the St. Louis Cardinals in a best-of-seven series which is set to begin Wednesday night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Texas defeated Detroit on the strength of Nelson Cruz's post-season record six home runs and a dominant bullpen led by 2007 Spokane Indian Neftali Feliz. The hard-throwing Feliz made four appearances in the series, allowing no runs on just one hit and registering a save in Game One.
Ian Kinsler (‘03) backed up Cruz's strong effort with a stellar showing of his own, contributing seven hits, six runs, six RBI's, four walks and nearly flawless defense at second base. The Rangers will lean heavily on Kinsler to get their offense rolling in the World Series.
Speedy outfielder Craig Gentry (‘06) continues to make the most of his initial postseason run, notching two hits in five at-bats and recording his first career postseason RBI. Mitch Moreland (‘07) is hoping to replicate last year's World Series performance in which the Rangers' first baseman hit .462, including a key home run in Game Three.
Lefty Derek Holland (‘07) struggled in the ALCS but will get the chance to bounce back with a start in Game Three of the World Series. Holland made two appearances in last year's Fall Classic, allowing three runs in one inning pitched.
Texas first base coach Gary Pettis, who stole 53 bases for the 1982 Spokane Indians, will return to coach in his second consecutive World Series.
Live coverage of the World Series is available on FOX and ESPN Radio.
Neftali Feliz played for the Spokane Indians in 2007 and is now a reliever for the Rangers. (Photo: Spokane Indians)
