Cliff Lee set a new Rangers record with 10 strikeouts in a playoff game Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Left-hander Cliff Lee allowed just one run on five hits Wednesday as Texas beat Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, 5-1, giving the Rangers their first playoff victory since Oct. 1, 1996. Lee established a new club record by striking out 10 batters in a single postseason game, one better than Rick Helling’s nine strikeouts against the Yankees in 1998.
Having scored just two runs in their previous six playoff games combined, the Rangers came out swinging with five runs in the first five innings off Rays starter David Price. Outfielder Jeff Francoeur got the scoring started in the second inning with a double to drive home Ian Kinsler, while outfielder Nelson Cruz and catcher Bengie Molina each connected for two-out home runs off Price to pad the Texas lead.
Left-hander Darren Oliver celebrated his 40th birthday Wednesday with a 2/3 of an inning of scoreless relief against Tampa Bay. Oliver is appearing in his fifth consecutive postseason with his third different team, having pitched in the playoffs for the Mets in 2006, the Angels from ’07 to ’09, and now the Rangers in 2010.
Game 2 of the ALDS is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Tropicana Field, with Texas left-hander C.J. Wilson set to face off against Rays right-hander James Shields.
Nate's Notes 
You must be logged in to post a comment.