Texas Rangers: Can Josh Hamilton Finally Come Alive in Game 7?

Entering Game 6, Josh Hamilton held a .158 batting average in the 2011 World Series. He used a 3-for-6 performance at the dish to raise that clip to .240, but you can bet he'll be a magnet for criticism if he goes down silently in tonight's Game 7.

In the middle of Texas' lineup, Hamilton needs to produce on offense. Texas can still survive without his production, as they've shown so far, but another strong outing from Hamilton will go a long way for the Rangers.

Can the outfielder have a productive offensive performance in Game 7 of the World Series?

Yes: His Game 6 Surge Could Carry over

Josh Hamilton went 3-for-6 with a home run in Game 6. Hamilton has hit safely in the past four games, but last night marked his first multi-hit game since Game 5 of the ALCS.

The former MVP also hadn't homered since September 23.

No: Limited Success Against Chris Carpenter

Josh Hamilton had never faced Chris Carpenter until the World Series, and the ace has flustered the slugger so far.

Hamilton has one hit and a walk in six at-bats against Carpenter.

Yes: Success Against St. Louis Bullpen

Even if Josh Hamilton struggles against Chris Carpenter, he has had success against St. Louis' bullpen.

Last night, he went 2-for-3 after Tony LaRussa pulled Jaime Garcia. The lefty singled off Lance Lynn in the sixth and homered off Jason Motte in the 10th.

Overall in the World Series, Hamilton is 3-for-8 with a sacrifice fly against the Cardinals' relievers.

No: Groin

Josh Hamilton's World Series struggles have been largely attributed to his injured groin. At the plate, the groin inhibits him from rotating through the zone as quickly and powerfully as he normally does.

Hamilton looked fairly comfortable last night, but the slightest tweak could result in recurring pain.

Yes: Hunger

After hitting .100 in the 2010 World Series loss to the San Francisco Giants, Josh Hamilton has an internal drive to avoid squandering another shot at a championship.

Off the field, Hamilton has shown tremendous perseverance in his battle against drug addiction. We know he's strong and persistent.

Those characteristics are also evident on the field, and you can expect Hamilton to play at 110 percent—even with his injured groin.