2010 World Series: 5 Ways Texas Rangers Can Still Win This Series

So far, the Texas Rangers have been utterly shut down by the San Francisco Giants in the 2010 World Series.  Texas' hitters have not produced in this series, though they are not fully at fault.  Better Giant pitching, as has been the instance in the previous two series, has taken center stage once again and now has them one win away from their first World Series title.  

Though it hasn't just been their pitching, this phase has been important for San Francisco all season. Their hitting is starting to shine now and their ability to deliver in the crucial moments has helped along the way. 

This series has not played out as it was expected, but there still is a small window for a Texas comeback. Remember, everything is bigger in Texas, even the comebacks. Right?  Well, here are five ways that the Rangers may eke out this series.  

5. Reverse the Pressure

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: A fan of the San Francisco Giants celebrates their 4-0 victory over the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensing

Now down 3-1 in the series with only one last home game coming tonight, the Texas Rangers have a world of pressure on them.  Every game is now a Game 7 for them.  Their backs are to the wall and the Giants are feeling no pressure right?  Well, truth is, the Giants need to close this series out as soon as possible. The Giants will face more pressure the longer this series extends.

In getting two quick victories at home, the Giants were able to set the table in this series.  That can now change and all the momentum switches in an instant if Cliff Lee is on his game tonight in Arlington.  More than that though, the Texas hitters must be able to re-insert themselves back into this series.  Their sporadic hitting must be able to deliver from here on out.    

4. Cut Out the Mistakes

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Manager Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers walks back to the dugout with his head down late in the game against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31

The Giants have been able to capitalize off the Rangers' many mistakes.  This was a key point coming in and you can see why now.  Instead of the Rangers leading this series, it's the underdog Giants who are one win away from closing this thing out.  

Texas will need to turn its negatives back into positives. In the ALCS the Rangers were striking from all cylinders. Well, that has all disappeared now and this team has crumbled on the World Series platform. Surprisingly, the Rangers have done many fundamental things poorly in this series.  Mentally, they just don't seem to be in this series and it's ultimately leading closer and closer to their demise. 

The team that commits fewer errors, both mentally and on the field, will win.  So far though, that's been the Giants. 

3. Swing!

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers looks on during batting practice against the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 30, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Ph

The Rangers' offense was what brought them to the dance and it's what's now keeping them away from glory.  The Rangers have not been able to figure out the Giants' pitching, plain and simple.  They now will not only need to rely on Cliff Lee, but also their hitters who have been dormant for much of this series.

Their power numbers and just overall offense dominated the Yankees, and now has been put to rest themselves by better pitching.  No one player can be singled out individually but as a team their bats have been silenced and will need to be punched up if they have any hopes of turning this series around.

2. Get Back To Your Game

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Relief pitcher Alexi Ogando #64 of the Texas Rangers points to his left side before he leaves in the top of the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arl

The Rangers have shied away from their style, and furthermore the Giants have been able to apply that style to winning success.  They must get back to what got them here over the next few days and make this a series again.  Their offense must come out, click tonight and defeat Tim Lincecum to extend the series.

Also, Cliff Lee will need to be much better tonight. He's playing for a contract in 2011 among other things. Lee, along with the bullpen, must deliver with the season on the line.

The Rangers appear to be in a trance in this series and are playing right into the Giants' hands.  Now it's time to get back to their game and miraculously win this series.  

1. Get Cliff Lee the Ball

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 27: Cliff Lee #33 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the San Francisco Giants in 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)

He's one of the best pitchers in the world and a big-game pitcher to boot.  His 2011 season and payment for it will hinge greatly on tonight's Game 5.  He is Cliff Lee. 

Cliff Lee will need to get the ball tonight and dominate in hopes of keeping the season alive.  When Lee's on his game, he's virtually unhittable.  The Rangers must get him on the mound as often as possible, even if it means on short rest.  

Lee may not be the only factor that gets them back into this series, but he can certainly start it back up tonight in Arlington.