2011 American League Division Series
Encyclopedia
The 2011 American League Division Series
(abbreviated ALDS) were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason
, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series
. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played in two series. TBS televised all games but Game 2's of both series in the United States. Game 2's of both series were aired on TNT due to schedule conflicting with other ALDS games or the NLDS
. The regular season finished on September 28, with the ALDS beginning September 30. Game 5 of the Yankees–Tigers series was played on October 6.
Under MLB's playoff format, no two teams from the same division were matched up in the Division Series, regardless of whether their records would normally indicate such a matchup. Home field advantage went to the team with the better regular-season record with the exception of the wild card team, which defers home field advantage regardless of record. The matchups for the 2011 ALDS were:
This was the second consecutive playoff meeting between the Rangers and Rays; the Rangers won 3–2 in the 2010 ALDS
. The Tigers and Yankees previously met in the 2006 ALDS
, in which the Tigers won 3–1, the last time they reached the postseason.
) at Yankee Stadium
in Bronx, New York
In front of a Yankee Stadium record setting crowd of 50,940, Justin Verlander
, 24-game winner, Triple Crown winner, and Cy Young Award
frontrunner, started Game 1 for the Tigers against the Yankees' ace CC Sabathia. The Tigers started the scoring on Delmon Young
's two-out solo home run in the top of the first inning. The Yankees managed to tie the game in the bottom half without a hit. Leadoff batter Derek Jeter
reached first base on a wild pitch third strike. Jeter moved to third on Curtis Granderson
's walk and Robinson Canó
's groundout then scored on Alex Rodriguez
's RBI groundout. The game was delayed by rain in the middle of the second inning and later suspended and resumed at 8:37 p.m. on October 1, pushing Game 2 back to October 2.
The suspension significantly altered both teams' pitching rotations for the series. Doug Fister
and Iván Nova
, both of whom were originally scheduled to start Game 2, entered as relief pitchers when Game 1 was resumed. Jorge Posada
led off the continuation of the game with a single and then Russell Martin
doubled, but Posada was tagged out trying to go home on a Brett Gardner
grounder. The Tigers threatened in the fifth inning, putting men on first and second. However, Granderson made a strong throw to Jeter, who relayed to Martin at home to tag out Alex Avila
trying to score the go-ahead run. Granderson hit a double in the bottom of the inning and Canó drove him in with an RBI double that was reviewed by instant replay
after the ball hit the top of the wall near the boundary line. In the next inning, the Yankees scored six runs on a Gardner two-run single and, after Fister was relieved, a Canó grand slam, extending the Yankees lead to 8–1. Later, Canó knocked in his sixth RBI on an eighth-inning double to score Jeter, tying a Yankees postseason record for RBIs in a game by a single player.
The Tigers threatened in the top of ninth when Delmon Young's single, Miguel Cabrera's walk, and Victor Martinez's single loaded the bases. Nova was relieved by Luis Ayala
, who surrendered an RBI groundout by Avila, an RBI single by Ryan Raburn
, and a single by Jhonny Peralta
to load the bases again. The Yankees turned to their closer, all-time save leader Mariano Rivera
, in a non-save situation, who struck out Wilson Betemit
to end the game.
) at Yankee Stadium
in Bronx, New York
Max Scherzer threw no-hit innings before allowing a single to Robinson Canó
. Scherzer got help from the Tigers' offense early, as Miguel Cabrera
hit an opposite-field home run in the first inning to put the Tigers in front, 2–0. RBIs from both Cabrera and Víctor Martínez knocked Freddy García
out of the game in the sixth inning. Granderson
and Swisher
hit home runs for New York. In a non-save situation, José Valverde
gave up two runs in the ninth inning. With two out and two runners on base, and one of the Yankees' most dangerous hitters (Robinson Canó
) at the plate, Valverde retired him on a groundout to second, sending the teams to Detroit with the series tied at a game apiece.
) at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
In a rematch of Friday's game, Tigers ace Justin Verlander once again faced Yankees ace CC Sabathia. Verlander allowed two runs in the first inning—one by Curtis Granderson's RBI triple that scored Derek Jeter, and another by Alex Rodriguez's RBI groundout that scored Granderson. The Tigers got on the board when Ramón Santiago singled in Brandon Inge in the third inning. Then Miguel Cabrera grounded into double play but Austin Jackson scored to tie the game. Inge scored again on an RBI double by Santiago in the fifth inning, giving the Tigers the lead. Don Kelly scored on an RBI double by Jhonny Peralta in the sixth to increase Detroit's lead. After Alex Avila's sacrifice bunt, Sabathia was relieved by Rafael Soriano. The Yankees tied it back up with runs by Jorge Posada and Russell Martin on a Brett Gardner RBI double in the seventh. Detroit's Delmon Young hit a solo home run in the seventh to regain the lead. José Valverde recorded his 50th consecutive save in as many tries—including regular season—for the Tigers win, striking out Derek Jeter with the tying run on second and go-ahead run on first to end the game.
) at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
With their backs against the wall, the Yankees relied on A. J. Burnett to even the series. Burnett, who was assigned to the bullpen in the Division Series due to inconsistency, re-took the starting role thanks to the suspension in Game 1. Burnett was almost to be relieved by Cory Wade in the bottom of the first inning after issuing a two-out walk to Víctor Martínez that loaded the bases, but Curtis Granderson's run-saving catch helped Burnett escaped the jam unharmed. Derek Jeter's two-run double in the third put the Yankees on board, but Víctor Martínez's solo homer in the bottom of the fourth cut the Yankees' lead to one. Granderson's RBI double and Alex Rodriguez's sacrifice fly in the fifth increased the lead to three. Burnett was relieved after Don Kelly's two-out single in the bottom of the sixth, and he gave the Yankees what they were hoping for—tossing innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, and four walks while striking out three. Later Granderson's second run-saving catch of the day ended the sixth inning for Burnett and the Yankees.
The Yankees' offense erupted in the top of the eighth. Three struggling Yankees hitters—Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher—hit consecutive singles to start the eighth inning. A balk by the Tigers' reliever Al Alburquerque and an RBI single by pinch-hitter Jesus Montero brought in two more runs for the Yankees. Russell Martin was walked to load the bases again, followed by Brett Gardner's RBI single for another run. The next two batters—Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson—were both struck out, but Jesus Montero scored on a wild pitch by the Tigers' reliever Daniel Schlereth during Granderson's at-bat. Robinson Canó singled in two more runs to increase the lead to 10–1. The six-run rally was more than enough for the Yankees, as the Yankees' relievers—Rafael Soriano, Phil Hughes, and Boone Logan—held the Tigers hitless in the remaining innings while striking out six.
) at Yankee Stadium
in Bronx, New York
Game 5 was a rematch of the two pitchers of record in Game 1—Iván Nova
and Doug Fister
. Despite the fans setting another Yankee Stadium record with 50,960 in attendance, the Tigers eliminated the Yankees with a 3–2 win. Back–to–back homers by Don Kelly
and Delmon Young
early in the first inning put Detroit on top. Young's homer was his third, a Tigers record in a playoff series. Iván Nova did not last long, as he was pulled after the second inning with forearm tightness. The Tigers made it 3–0 in the top of the fifth when Víctor Martínez singled off CC Sabathia to drive in Austin Jackson
. In the bottom of the fifth the Yankees finally scored on a Robinson Canó
solo homer, and got another run in the seventh when Mark Teixeira
walked with the bases loaded to score Derek Jeter
. However, Joaquín Benoit
managed to strike out Nick Swisher
with the bases still loaded, ending the threat. José Valverde
closed the door when he struck out Alex Rodriguez
in the ninth, earning his 51st straight save of the combined 2011 season and postseason.
The Tigers became only the third team to beat the Yankees in consecutive post-season series meetings; previously the 1921
–22 New York Giants
and the 2002
and 2005 Angels
were able to beat the Yankees in consecutive playoff series meetings. This was also the first time since 2007
the Yankees were eliminated at home.
CC Sabathia appeared in relief
for the first time in his career when he relieved Boone Logan
in the fifth, in which he surrendered the winning run.
over New York Yankees
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Rookie Matt Moore
started Game 1 for the Rays, his second Major League start and fourth appearance since his September 12 promotion from Triple-A. Moore gave the Rays seven strong innings—allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six. Johnny Damon
's two-run homer in the second inning and Kelly Shoppach
's two homers gave Moore enough support while the Rangers' offense was shut down by the Rays' pitching.
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
The Rays struck first on Kelly Shoppach
's bases-loaded walk in the first inning and Matt Joyce's two-run home run in the fourth. However, the Rays' starter James Shields ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth. After Elvis Andrus
' hit-by-pitch and consecutive singles by Josh Hamilton and Michael Young to load the bases, Shields again hit Adrián Beltré
and surrendered a two-run single to Mike Napoli
. The next two batters, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy were both struck out, but Murphy advanced to first base on an uncaught third strike thanks to a wild pitch earlier to advance the runners. Beltré also scored on that play. Mitch Moreland followed up with an RBI groundout to score Napoli. The five-run fourth gave the Rangers a 5–3 lead over the Rays.
The Rangers' starter Derek Holland put another zero on the scoreboard before handing the game to the bullpen. The Rangers continued to score on Ian Kinsler
's two-run double in the sixth. Evan Longoria
came up with a three-run homer in the seventh to bring the Rays within a run. Mitch Moreland answered with a solo homer in the eighth to increase the lead to two. Neftalí Feliz pitched a scoreless ninth to record the save.
) at Tropicana Field
in St. Petersburg, Florida
A Desmond Jennings
home run in the fourth gave the Rays an early lead. David Price
, winless against the Rangers in his Major League career, held Texas without a run for six innings before giving up a Mike Napoli
two-run homer after Adrián Beltré
singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Josh Hamilton later hit a two-RBI single off reliever J. P. Howell to put Texas ahead 4–1. Later in the bottom half Sean Rodriguez
hit an RBI ground out to score Johnny Damon
and cut Texas's lead to two. In the bottom of the eighth Jennings cut the deficit to one on his second solo home run of the game; however, the Rays' comeback attempt was put to rest on a double play grounder by Kelly Shoppach
in the ninth.
) at Tropicana Field
in St. Petersburg, Florida
The Rangers struck first with an Ian Kinsler
home run off Jeremy Hellickson
in the first inning. Three homers by Adrián Beltré
off Hellickson in the second and fourth, and off Matt Moore
in the seventh gave Texas the much-needed cushion. The Rays tried to come back when Matt Joyce
doubled in the second and scored Sean Rodriguez
in a plate collision with Mike Napoli
. Later Rodriguez also scored in the fourth and ninth off Casey Kotchman
RBI singles, but the game ended after Joyce popped out in foul territory to Beltré and Desmond Jennings
grounded into a force out. Beltré became the sixth player in MLB history to hit three home runs in a single postseason game, joined Babe Ruth
(1926 and 1928 World Series), Bob Robertson
(1971 NLCS), Reggie Jackson
(1977 World Series), George Brett
(1978 ALCS), and Adam Kennedy
(2002 ALCS).
With the win, the Rangers advanced to their second straight ALCS. This also marked the Rangers' fifth straight postseason win at Tropicana Field.
over Tampa Bay Rays
American League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Division Series determines which two teams from the American League will advance to the American League Championship Series...
(abbreviated ALDS) were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason
Major League Baseball postseason
The Major League Baseball postseason is an elimination tournament held after the conclusion of Major League Baseball's regular season. It consists of one best-of-five series and two best-of-seven series...
, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series
2011 American League Championship Series
The 2011 American League Championship Series was a best-of-seven playoff pitting the winners of the 2011 American League Division Series, the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, against each other for the American League championship and the right to be the league's representative in the 2011 World...
. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played in two series. TBS televised all games but Game 2's of both series in the United States. Game 2's of both series were aired on TNT due to schedule conflicting with other ALDS games or the NLDS
2011 National League Division Series
The 2011 National League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 National League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played...
. The regular season finished on September 28, with the ALDS beginning September 30. Game 5 of the Yankees–Tigers series was played on October 6.
Under MLB's playoff format, no two teams from the same division were matched up in the Division Series, regardless of whether their records would normally indicate such a matchup. Home field advantage went to the team with the better regular-season record with the exception of the wild card team, which defers home field advantage regardless of record. The matchups for the 2011 ALDS were:
- (1) New York Yankees2011 New York Yankees seasonThe 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, 2011, and clinched the AL East...
(East Division champions, 97–65) vs. (3) Detroit Tigers2011 Detroit Tigers seasonThe 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
(Central Division champions, 95–67): Tigers won the series, 3–2. - (2) Texas Rangers2011 Texas Rangers seasonThe Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....
(West Division champions, 96–66) vs. (4) Tampa Bay Rays2011 Tampa Bay Rays seasonThe Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...
(Wild Card qualifier, 91–71): Rangers won the series, 3–1.
This was the second consecutive playoff meeting between the Rangers and Rays; the Rangers won 3–2 in the 2010 ALDS
2010 American League Division Series
The 2010 American League Division Series were two best-of-five game series to determine the participating teams in the 2010 American League Championship Series. The three divisional winners and a fourth "Wild Card" team played in two series from October 6 to October 12...
. The Tigers and Yankees previously met in the 2006 ALDS
2006 American League Division Series
-Game 1, October 3:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkA five-run third inning by the Yankees put the game out of reach for the Tigers. Bobby Abreu doubled to score Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter . Gary Sheffield then singled in Abreu, and Jason Giambi launched a two-run home run for a commanding 5–0...
, in which the Tigers won 3–1, the last time they reached the postseason.
Participants
- On September 16, the Detroit Tigers2011 Detroit Tigers seasonThe 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
clinched the AL CentralAmerican League CentralThe American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...
title, becoming the first team of the season to qualify for the ALDS. It is the Tigers' first AL Central title since they joined the division in 19981998 Major League Baseball season*American League Championship Series MVP: David Wells**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Sterling Hitchcock**National League Division Series*All-Star Game, July 7 at Coors Field: American League, 13-8; Roberto Alomar, MVP...
, and the team's first division title overall since 19871987 Detroit Tigers seasonThe 1987 Detroit Tigers season saw the Tigers make a startling late-season comeback to win the American League Eastern Division. The Tigers finished with a record of 98 wins and 64 losses, two games ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays...
, and first playoff appearance since winning the 2006 American League pennant2006 American League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CaliforniaOakland was 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, while Detroit turned four double plays...
as the Wild Card team. - On September 21, the New York Yankees2011 New York Yankees seasonThe 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, 2011, and clinched the AL East...
clinched the AL EastAmerican League EastThe American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...
title, their Major League record 17th overall. - On September 23, after the Angels2011 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim seasonThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' 2011 season was the franchise's 51st season and 46th in Anaheim. The Angels began the season following a disappointing 2010 campaign where they missed the postseason for the first time since 2006, after winning the American League West three times in a row from...
lost to the Athletics2011 Oakland Athletics seasonThe Oakland Athletics' 2011 season was the 44th for the franchise in the Bay Area, as well as the 111th in club history. The team was competing for the American League West Division title after a 4 year absence from playoff contention, with a payroll just above $77 million.-Coaching Changes:Young...
, the Texas Rangers2011 Texas Rangers seasonThe Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....
clinched the AL WestAmerican League WestThe American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
for the second straight year. - On September 28, after making up a 9-game deficit in the final month of the season and going into the season's last day tied with the Red Sox2011 Boston Red Sox seasonThe Boston Red Sox 2011 season was the 111th in the team's history. The Red Sox opened their 2011 season playing away from Fenway Park against the Texas Rangers. Breaking from the traditional opening day of Sunday or Monday, Major League Baseball opened in 2011 on a Thursday, March 31, and the Red...
for the last playoff berth, the Tampa Bay Rays2011 Tampa Bay Rays seasonThe Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...
clinched the AL Wild Card by defeating the Yankees in extra innings while the Red Sox lost to the Orioles2011 Baltimore Orioles seasonThe Baltimore Orioles' 2011 season was the 111th season in franchise history, and the 58th in Baltimore.-Offseason:The 2010-2011 offseason has been notable for the Orioles, featuring a complete makeover of their infield, with only Brian Roberts expected to reprise his starting role...
.
New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers
†: suspended in the bottom of the second inning due to rainTexas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Game 1, September 30 (Completed October 1)
8:37 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
in Bronx, New York
In front of a Yankee Stadium record setting crowd of 50,940, Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander
Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
, 24-game winner, Triple Crown winner, and Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
frontrunner, started Game 1 for the Tigers against the Yankees' ace CC Sabathia. The Tigers started the scoring on Delmon Young
Delmon Young
Delmon Damarcus Young is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is the younger brother of former major league outfielder and first baseman Dmitri Young. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama.Young is known for having a strong and accurate...
's two-out solo home run in the top of the first inning. The Yankees managed to tie the game in the bottom half without a hit. Leadoff batter Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
reached first base on a wild pitch third strike. Jeter moved to third on Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
's walk and Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
's groundout then scored on Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
's RBI groundout. The game was delayed by rain in the middle of the second inning and later suspended and resumed at 8:37 p.m. on October 1, pushing Game 2 back to October 2.
The suspension significantly altered both teams' pitching rotations for the series. Doug Fister
Doug Fister
Douglas Wildes Fister is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.Fister bats left-handed, and throws right-handed. He was born in Merced, California and attended Golden Valley High School. For college, Fister attended Merced College, and later Fresno State University...
and Iván Nova
Iván Nova
Iván Manuel Nova Guance is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Career:Nova was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 2004. At the end of the 2008 season, Nova had not advanced beyond Class-A Advanced, where he pitched for the Tampa Yankees...
, both of whom were originally scheduled to start Game 2, entered as relief pitchers when Game 1 was resumed. Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
led off the continuation of the game with a single and then Russell Martin
Russell Martin
Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin, Jr is a Canadian Major League Baseball catcher for the New York Yankees.Martin became the everyday catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers immediately upon his Major League debut, and continued in that role for nearly 5 years...
doubled, but Posada was tagged out trying to go home on a Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner
Brett M. Gardner is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the New York Yankees. Gardner, who is 5' 10", bats and throws left-handed.-College baseball career:...
grounder. The Tigers threatened in the fifth inning, putting men on first and second. However, Granderson made a strong throw to Jeter, who relayed to Martin at home to tag out Alex Avila
Alex Avila
Alexander Thomas Avila is an American professional baseball catcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is 5' 11" tall and weighs 210 pounds. Avila was born in Hialeah, Florida.-Early Baseball Career:...
trying to score the go-ahead run. Granderson hit a double in the bottom of the inning and Canó drove him in with an RBI double that was reviewed by instant replay
Instant replay in baseball
In Major League Baseball, a system similar to that in the National Hockey League for the last month of the season and beyond was implemented on August 28, 2008...
after the ball hit the top of the wall near the boundary line. In the next inning, the Yankees scored six runs on a Gardner two-run single and, after Fister was relieved, a Canó grand slam, extending the Yankees lead to 8–1. Later, Canó knocked in his sixth RBI on an eighth-inning double to score Jeter, tying a Yankees postseason record for RBIs in a game by a single player.
The Tigers threatened in the top of ninth when Delmon Young's single, Miguel Cabrera's walk, and Victor Martinez's single loaded the bases. Nova was relieved by Luis Ayala
Luis Ayala
Luis Ignacio Ayala is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He is 6' 2" and weighs 190 lbs. and bats and throws right-handed.-Mexican League:...
, who surrendered an RBI groundout by Avila, an RBI single by Ryan Raburn
Ryan Raburn
Ryan Neil Raburn is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers. Though primarily an outfielder, Raburn can also play third base, second base, first base, and catcher....
, and a single by Jhonny Peralta
Jhonny Peralta
Jhonny Antonio Peralta is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He previously played with the Cleveland Indians.-Playing career:...
to load the bases again. The Yankees turned to their closer, all-time save leader Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
, in a non-save situation, who struck out Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
to end the game.
Game 2, October 2
3:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
in Bronx, New York
Max Scherzer threw no-hit innings before allowing a single to Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
. Scherzer got help from the Tigers' offense early, as Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
hit an opposite-field home run in the first inning to put the Tigers in front, 2–0. RBIs from both Cabrera and Víctor Martínez knocked Freddy García
Freddy García
Freddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent...
out of the game in the sixth inning. Granderson
Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
and Swisher
Nick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
hit home runs for New York. In a non-save situation, José Valverde
José Valverde
José Rafael Valverde is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. His nickname is Papa Grande...
gave up two runs in the ninth inning. With two out and two runners on base, and one of the Yankees' most dangerous hitters (Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
) at the plate, Valverde retired him on a groundout to second, sending the teams to Detroit with the series tied at a game apiece.
Game 3, October 3
8:37 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
In a rematch of Friday's game, Tigers ace Justin Verlander once again faced Yankees ace CC Sabathia. Verlander allowed two runs in the first inning—one by Curtis Granderson's RBI triple that scored Derek Jeter, and another by Alex Rodriguez's RBI groundout that scored Granderson. The Tigers got on the board when Ramón Santiago singled in Brandon Inge in the third inning. Then Miguel Cabrera grounded into double play but Austin Jackson scored to tie the game. Inge scored again on an RBI double by Santiago in the fifth inning, giving the Tigers the lead. Don Kelly scored on an RBI double by Jhonny Peralta in the sixth to increase Detroit's lead. After Alex Avila's sacrifice bunt, Sabathia was relieved by Rafael Soriano. The Yankees tied it back up with runs by Jorge Posada and Russell Martin on a Brett Gardner RBI double in the seventh. Detroit's Delmon Young hit a solo home run in the seventh to regain the lead. José Valverde recorded his 50th consecutive save in as many tries—including regular season—for the Tigers win, striking out Derek Jeter with the tying run on second and go-ahead run on first to end the game.
Game 4, October 4
8:37 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
With their backs against the wall, the Yankees relied on A. J. Burnett to even the series. Burnett, who was assigned to the bullpen in the Division Series due to inconsistency, re-took the starting role thanks to the suspension in Game 1. Burnett was almost to be relieved by Cory Wade in the bottom of the first inning after issuing a two-out walk to Víctor Martínez that loaded the bases, but Curtis Granderson's run-saving catch helped Burnett escaped the jam unharmed. Derek Jeter's two-run double in the third put the Yankees on board, but Víctor Martínez's solo homer in the bottom of the fourth cut the Yankees' lead to one. Granderson's RBI double and Alex Rodriguez's sacrifice fly in the fifth increased the lead to three. Burnett was relieved after Don Kelly's two-out single in the bottom of the sixth, and he gave the Yankees what they were hoping for—tossing innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, and four walks while striking out three. Later Granderson's second run-saving catch of the day ended the sixth inning for Burnett and the Yankees.
The Yankees' offense erupted in the top of the eighth. Three struggling Yankees hitters—Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher—hit consecutive singles to start the eighth inning. A balk by the Tigers' reliever Al Alburquerque and an RBI single by pinch-hitter Jesus Montero brought in two more runs for the Yankees. Russell Martin was walked to load the bases again, followed by Brett Gardner's RBI single for another run. The next two batters—Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson—were both struck out, but Jesus Montero scored on a wild pitch by the Tigers' reliever Daniel Schlereth during Granderson's at-bat. Robinson Canó singled in two more runs to increase the lead to 10–1. The six-run rally was more than enough for the Yankees, as the Yankees' relievers—Rafael Soriano, Phil Hughes, and Boone Logan—held the Tigers hitless in the remaining innings while striking out six.
Game 5, October 6
8:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
in Bronx, New York
Game 5 was a rematch of the two pitchers of record in Game 1—Iván Nova
Iván Nova
Iván Manuel Nova Guance is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Career:Nova was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 2004. At the end of the 2008 season, Nova had not advanced beyond Class-A Advanced, where he pitched for the Tampa Yankees...
and Doug Fister
Doug Fister
Douglas Wildes Fister is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.Fister bats left-handed, and throws right-handed. He was born in Merced, California and attended Golden Valley High School. For college, Fister attended Merced College, and later Fresno State University...
. Despite the fans setting another Yankee Stadium record with 50,960 in attendance, the Tigers eliminated the Yankees with a 3–2 win. Back–to–back homers by Don Kelly
Don Kelly (baseball)
Donald Thomas Kelly is an American professional baseball player infielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball...
and Delmon Young
Delmon Young
Delmon Damarcus Young is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is the younger brother of former major league outfielder and first baseman Dmitri Young. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama.Young is known for having a strong and accurate...
early in the first inning put Detroit on top. Young's homer was his third, a Tigers record in a playoff series. Iván Nova did not last long, as he was pulled after the second inning with forearm tightness. The Tigers made it 3–0 in the top of the fifth when Víctor Martínez singled off CC Sabathia to drive in Austin Jackson
Austin Jackson
Austin Jarrell Jackson is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball...
. In the bottom of the fifth the Yankees finally scored on a Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
solo homer, and got another run in the seventh when Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
walked with the bases loaded to score Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
. However, Joaquín Benoit
Joaquín Benoit
Joaquín Antonio Benoit Peña is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball in the United States. He is 6'3" and weighs 220 pounds.-Texas Rangers:...
managed to strike out Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
with the bases still loaded, ending the threat. José Valverde
José Valverde
José Rafael Valverde is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. His nickname is Papa Grande...
closed the door when he struck out Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
in the ninth, earning his 51st straight save of the combined 2011 season and postseason.
The Tigers became only the third team to beat the Yankees in consecutive post-season series meetings; previously the 1921
1921 New York Giants season
- Roster:- Starters by position:Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in-Other batters:Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
–22 New York Giants
1922 New York Giants season
- Roster:- Starters by position:Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in-Other batters:Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
and the 2002
2002 Anaheim Angels season
The Anaheim Angels 2002 season was the franchise's 42nd, and it ended with the team's first American League pennant and World Series championship....
and 2005 Angels
2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2005 season was the franchise's 45th since its inception. The regular season ended with a record of 95-67, resulting in the Angels winning the American League West division title for the second consecutive season, its fifth in franchise history.In the postseason,...
were able to beat the Yankees in consecutive playoff series meetings. This was also the first time since 2007
2007 American League Division Series
-Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees:-Game 1, October 3:Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsIn Game 1, Boston starter Josh Beckett threw a complete-game shut out, allowing the Red Sox to win the opener...
the Yankees were eliminated at home.
CC Sabathia appeared in relief
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
for the first time in his career when he relieved Boone Logan
Boone Logan
Boone Logan is a left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Logan previously played for the Chicago White Sox from 2006–2008 and the Atlanta Braves in 2009.-Playing career:...
in the fifth, in which he surrendered the winning run.
Composite box
2011 ALDS (3–2): Detroit Tigers2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
over New York Yankees
2011 New York Yankees season
The 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, 2011, and clinched the AL East...
Game 1, September 30
5:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
Rookie Matt Moore
Matt Moore (baseball)
Matthew Cody Moore is a pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He is considered the Rays second best prospect for 2011 by Baseball America.-High School:...
started Game 1 for the Rays, his second Major League start and fourth appearance since his September 12 promotion from Triple-A. Moore gave the Rays seven strong innings—allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six. Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
's two-run homer in the second inning and Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
's two homers gave Moore enough support while the Rangers' offense was shut down by the Rays' pitching.
Game 2, October 1
7:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
The Rays struck first on Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
's bases-loaded walk in the first inning and Matt Joyce's two-run home run in the fourth. However, the Rays' starter James Shields ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth. After Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Augusto Andrus Torres is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers.Entering , he was rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization...
' hit-by-pitch and consecutive singles by Josh Hamilton and Michael Young to load the bases, Shields again hit Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
and surrendered a two-run single to Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
. The next two batters, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy were both struck out, but Murphy advanced to first base on an uncaught third strike thanks to a wild pitch earlier to advance the runners. Beltré also scored on that play. Mitch Moreland followed up with an RBI groundout to score Napoli. The five-run fourth gave the Rangers a 5–3 lead over the Rays.
The Rangers' starter Derek Holland put another zero on the scoreboard before handing the game to the bullpen. The Rangers continued to score on Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
's two-run double in the sixth. Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
came up with a three-run homer in the seventh to bring the Rays within a run. Mitch Moreland answered with a solo homer in the eighth to increase the lead to two. Neftalí Feliz pitched a scoreless ninth to record the save.
Game 3, October 3
5:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
A Desmond Jennings
Desmond Jennings
Desmond Delane Jennings is an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Baseball career:Jennings was taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round of the 2005 amateur draft out of high school but did not sign...
home run in the fourth gave the Rays an early lead. David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...
, winless against the Rangers in his Major League career, held Texas without a run for six innings before giving up a Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
two-run homer after Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Josh Hamilton later hit a two-RBI single off reliever J. P. Howell to put Texas ahead 4–1. Later in the bottom half Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...
hit an RBI ground out to score Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
and cut Texas's lead to two. In the bottom of the eighth Jennings cut the deficit to one on his second solo home run of the game; however, the Rays' comeback attempt was put to rest on a double play grounder by Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
in the ninth.
Game 4, October 4
2:07 p.m. (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
The Rangers struck first with an Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
home run off Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...
in the first inning. Three homers by Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
off Hellickson in the second and fourth, and off Matt Moore
Matt Moore (baseball)
Matthew Cody Moore is a pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He is considered the Rays second best prospect for 2011 by Baseball America.-High School:...
in the seventh gave Texas the much-needed cushion. The Rays tried to come back when Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce (baseball)
Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....
doubled in the second and scored Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...
in a plate collision with Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
. Later Rodriguez also scored in the fourth and ninth off Casey Kotchman
Casey Kotchman
Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
RBI singles, but the game ended after Joyce popped out in foul territory to Beltré and Desmond Jennings
Desmond Jennings
Desmond Delane Jennings is an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Baseball career:Jennings was taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round of the 2005 amateur draft out of high school but did not sign...
grounded into a force out. Beltré became the sixth player in MLB history to hit three home runs in a single postseason game, joined Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
George Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
(1926 and 1928 World Series), Bob Robertson
Bob Robertson
Robert Eugene Robertson is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. Robertson, who batted and threw right-handed, played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays...
(1971 NLCS), Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson
Reginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
(1977 World Series), George Brett
George Brett (baseball)
George Howard Brett , nicknamed "Mullet", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman, designated hitter, and first baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Kansas City Royals. Brett's 3,154 career hits are the most by any third baseman in major league history, and 15th...
(1978 ALCS), and Adam Kennedy
Adam Kennedy
Adam Thomas Kennedy is an American Major League Baseball second baseman who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners and had two stints with the St. Louis Cardinals.-Early years:Kennedy...
(2002 ALCS).
With the win, the Rangers advanced to their second straight ALCS. This also marked the Rangers' fifth straight postseason win at Tropicana Field.
Composite box
2011 ALDS (3–1): Texas Rangers2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....
over Tampa Bay Rays
2011 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...