Late Enough, but Not Close Enough

The Rangers played very well in close and late situations throughout the year, but they wound up losing the one close and late game they played with the Blue Jays. As usual, the Rangers pitchers pretty much shut Toronto down in that situation, as the Blue Jays hit .083/.154/.167, their only hit a double. The Rangers batters, however, did not hit well in that situation, .100/.100/.150, one of their two hits a double. They also drove in two runs.

Watching the final play of the series, my first thought was that the grounder would not be a double play. Then I remembered Russell Martin, a catcher, was running. The throw to second was good enough to get the runner, but not the best for completing the twin killing. “Hold the ball!” was my thought at the time. That was probably the right thing to do, but a better throw by Rougned Odor might have ended the inning. A good defensive team failed in a situation in which the team usually excels.

Of course, that was only the final nail in the Rangers coffin. The Blue Jays out-homered the Rangers 8-2, out slugging them .550 to .320. Seven of those home runs came in 53 PA against the Rangers starters, three pretty good pitchers. The Blue Jays scored early and often, which did a lot more damage than a botched double play.

from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2dRAPyE