MLB World Series 2011: Rangers Will Take Series in Arlington

That’s it, the World Series is over. Rangers fans get the parade route ready in Dallas or Arlington, because in three games, your Texas Rangers will win their first World Series title. 

After last night’s thrilling come from behind victory in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series against the St. Louis Cardinals, it tied the series up, sending the fall classic back to Arlington for three games, where the Rangers have lost only once during the playoffs. 

That’s one loss in five games at the ball park in Arlington.

For the year, the Rangers were among the best in the American League, going 52-29 in home games during the regular season. On the other side, the Cardinals were a mediocre 45-36 on the road. 

The Cardinals and Rangers pitching is what is stealing the headlines through the first two games.

Yet, when this series turns back to Texas in their hitting-friendly ball park, the pitching will take a back seat to the big bats that carried both of these teams through the playoffs.

But, coming into this series, the Rangers had the better offense, even without their former AL MVP playing at 100 percent. 

Hamilton knows that he isn’t able to play at his fullest, but it isn’t affecting his team. 

“I haven't been able to create the kind of torque I'd like to," said Hamilton, who is 0-for-7 in the World Series. "I'm doing what I need to do. If that's move a runner up or hit a double, that's what I will do. There have been some pitches to drive that I've ended up popping up because I can't create that torque."

"I don't feel any pressure to hit homers. Our lineup is so deep. I'll do what the game asks of me and save my bullets for a play in the field or one at-bat." 

Hamilton was a big factor into their come from behind victory over St. Louis last night. He helped by hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in the game-tying run. Yes he is 0-for-7, but he is still finding ways to help.  

Now that the series is back at home for the Rangers, they get their designated hitter, David Murphy, back. Texas doesn't have to deal with the National League's rules of batting a pitcher and they will not have to worry about pulling starting pitchers early because of their inability to swing the lumber.

Three games in Arlington will decide the World Series. It will end on Game 5, Monday night as Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson will pitch his team to their first trophy. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon