World Series Game 3: Three Keys for a Ranger Victory

Someone once said that a playoff series hasn't begun until a road team wins.

Based on that idea, the matchup between the Giants and Rangers is still at the starting line. The next three games of the 2010 World Series will be played in Arlington, and that suits Ron Washington and his ball club just fine.

Down 2-0, the Rangers need a win to reverse the momentum that the Giants established in the pair of games at AT&T Park.

Here are three keys for a Game 3 victory for the Rangers:

Key No. 1: Score Early

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Texas Rangers celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning with teammate Ian Kinsler #5 as catcher Kurt Suzuki #8 of the Oakland Athletics looks on during a Major League Baseball g

Whether it is playing long ball or manufacturing runs on the base paths, the Rangers need to get on the board early. They don't need to score a ton in the first couple of innings, but they need to get going offensively. The Rangers seem to play much more confidently when they "ring up a few" early.

In every one of the Rangers postseason victories against the Rays or the Yankees, the Rangers have scored runs in the first three innings.

While this won't guarantee a win, scoring early will relieve some of the pressure that could start to build and allow for Texas to play "Ranger baseball."

Key No. 2: Pitch Well

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Colby Lewis #48 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on September 21, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Don't be fooled by Colby Lewis' season numbers: 12-13 with a 3.72 ERA. He has taken the mound most of the year with sparse run support. This postseason, Lewis has been good. In 18 2/3 innings, he is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA . The Rangers don't need a complete game, but they do need Lewis to pitch well into the sixth or seventh. 

Along with Lewis doing well, Ron Washington needs to find some pitches for closer Neftali Feliz. The young, flame-thrower hasn't been on the mound since Oct. 22.

Key No. 3: No Errors

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 27: Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers is unable to field a ball in the third inning of Game One of the 2010 MLB World Series at AT&T Park on October 27, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

While the Game 1 four-error debacle isn't likely to happen again, the Rangers can't afford to give the Giants any opportunities. Washington made a good decision in using Murphy in the OF in Game 2. Being back home, Guerrero can return to his productive place as DH in the middle of the Texas lineup.

Rangers Win Game 3 If...

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Managing Partner & CEO Chuck Greenberg of the Texas Rangers celebrates with Manager Ron Washington after the Rangers won 6-1 against the Texas Rangers of the New York Yankees in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoff

You may be thinking, "That's it? Score Early? Pitch Well? No Errors? That's true in any game."

Precisely!

This is not a "David vs. Goliath" series. The Rangers don't need to "find some kind of magic." They just need to return to playing good baseball...good "Ranger baseball." And they can win Game 3!