Rangers stun Cardinals in ninth to even World Series

The Texas Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in Game 2 of the World Series tonight. The series is tied at a game apiece. It was very well-pitched game. The Rangers scored 2 runs in the top of the 9th to grab the lead and the win. It's a very uplifting win for the Rangers and a very demoralizing loss for the Cardinals.

The Rangers played smart in the top of the 9th to score twice. Ian Kinsler made a gutty play and just stole 2nd ahead of a great throw from Yadier Molina. Then Elvis Andrus singled and took second when Albert Pujols didn't cut off a throw from right field. It was a play Pujols should have made; the throw was there to be cut off and Pujols just missed it. The play ended up being the difference between the Rangers winning and the game still being tied. Andrus deserves credit for taking 2nd on the play, as it was a close play and required guts to attempt.

It really is fundamentals that helped determine the outcome. Pujols cutting off the ball is a fundamental play. Andrus taking the extra base may not be purely fundamental, but it was a good, aggressive play that helped his team win.

Also, good situational hitting from Josh Hamilton and Michael Young to get sacrifice flies when each had a runner on third and less than two outs. It's good hitting to get the ball in the air there when the pitchers clearly had to be going for strikeouts. I kind of have to agree with the analysts who say Tony La Russa should have stayed with Jason Motte against Hamilton, even though bringing in Arthur Rhodes brought up a left-on-left match-up. Even though Motte hasn't been the "official" closer, he's been the closer. He hadn't blown the save yet and this could be a blow to his confidence.

I understand where La Russa was coming from as he likes to go with situational match-ups, but I disagree with him on this one. Motte probably would have coughed up the save at that point anyway since the Cards only held a one run lead and there were runners on second and third with nobody out. However, he would benefit in the future from knowing he's the guy, it seems like La Russa showed some doubt in him there. We'll see what happens with Motte the rest of the series.

Finally, if I were La Russa and the Cardinals, I would start Chris Carpenter on short rest for Game 4 on Sunday. Carpenter is the Cards' best pitcher and gives them the best chance to win. If he goes in Game 4, he could come back again on short rest for a potential Game 7 and therefore pitch three times in the series instead of two. Also, Carpenter only threw 87 pitches in Game 1 and should have more in the tank to come back on short rest.

That's all for now, stay tuned to the blog for World Series updates analysis. I will try to get in some blogging about Utah football soon as well. Also, follow me on Twitter as well for World Series and Utes in-game updates and analysis as well other thoughts on sports.