Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers doubled to center field off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields with one out in the top of the second inning, but the Texas offense could move him no further. Second baseman Ian Kinsler grounded out to shortstop, failing to move Cruz over to third. Mitch Moreland then flew out in foul territory to left field, ending the Texas threat.
The inability to move runners has been a habitual problem this season for Ron Washington's crew. The team finished 17th in the big leagues in productive out percentage this year, according to ESPN.com.
With runs at such a premium in postseason play, this shortcoming will bear watching for the Rangers throughout the playoffs. In this particular case, Kinsler could have moved Cruz to third base with two out—not exactly a crucial lost opportunity, but a chance to put more pressure on Shields that went by the boards.
Keeping the game scoreless was a definite win for Shields, who stranded just over 68 percent of baserunners this season. That figure was 12th-worst among qualifying pitchers, and he must improve upon it in the playoffs.
The somewhat depleted lower half of Tampa's lineup went down in order against Rangers starting southpaw C.J. Wilson in the second inning. After back-to-back liners to Josh Hamilton in center field, Wilson struck out catcher Kelly Shoppach.
Wilson has been a remarkable story this season, shining in his first season as a starter in the big leagues. Wilson has done it by developing and using a strong four-pitch arsenal. Unlike the Rays, who notoriously throw more fastballs than any other Major League squad, Wilson and the Rangers emphasize mixing things up. Wilson threw his pure fastball less than half the time this season, favoring the cutter (18.6 percent of his total offerings) and slider (12.1 percent). As a result, Wilson kept the ball on the ground as well as any Ranger starter, and at one of the best rates in the league.
On to the third inning, and we are still tied at zero.
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