“Look, he’s a tough opponent”, Rangers manager Jeff Banister said Tuesday as his team worked out in Texas before flying to Toronto.
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Texas Rangers’ Rougned Odor, left, celebrates with Prince Fielder after scoring a run during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball’s American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Wednesday, October 14, 2015 in Toronto. “Nobody will say it”, Cherry said before specifically pointing out the fact that Roger Centre’s retractable roof remained closed for Game 1 despite fair weather in Toronto.
The Blue Jays held a 6-3 lead after seven innings of the decisive game.
Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels allowed five runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings to take the loss.
After a series of blunders – three errors and one slightly misjudged popup to be exact – helped Toronto pull even, Jose Bautista delivered a dagger, launching a no-doubt three-run home run to the third deck.
Marcus Stroman, who tore a ligament in his left knee during a spring training fielding drill in March, will get the ball when the Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers in a winner-take-all affair on Wednesday afternoon.
With Choo up, Martin’s throw back to reliever Aaron Sanchez deflected off Choo and dribbled toward third base.
That run put the Blue Jays down by one in this do-or-die matchup and nearly irrationally angered the fans, but the hometown Jays would come roaring back with a few assistance from the Rangers defense in the bottom half. Andrus booted Martin’s leadoff grounder, and first baseman Mitch Moreland was charged with a throwing error when he tried for the force at second on center fielder Kevin Pillar’s grounder. Dalton Pompey slid hard into catch Chris Gimemez, who was standing on home plate.
After Sam Dyson relieved Hamels, Josh Donaldson tied it at 3 with a flare just beyond the reach of Odor at second, but Revere was forced out.
Cherry also had an issue with a replay review that was upheld in the 14th inning that eventually led to Texas’ winning run.
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When the next hitter, Encarnacion, raised his bat and helmet to the crowd, apparently trying to calm the fans, both benches emptied.
