Rangers Win Game 5 to Take World Series Lead

The Texas Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 in game 5 to take a 3-2 Wolrd Series lead.

The Rangers were led by their power catcher Mike Napoli, who gave his team the 4-2 lead with his 2-run double in the bottom of the 8th inning off of Mark Rzepczynski, who came into the inning in relief of  Octavio Dotel. Rzepczynski loaded the bases as Napoli came to the plate. Napoli then delivered as he sent one into the gap. However St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa had an interesting explanation for leaving in Rzepczynski in that situation.

I called down asking for Rzepczynski and Motte. Rzepczynski got up but not Motte. We called back down and instead got Rzepczynski and Lynn. - Tony LaRussa-

Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson struggled in 5 1/3 innings of work giving up 4 hits, 2 runs (1 run earned), walked 5, and struck out 3. The walks were the biggest issue for Wilson as he got into many full counts, which got his pitch count above 100 in that 5th inning. The Rangers' bullpen pitched the remaining 3 2/3 innings giving up 3 hits, no runs, and 4 more walks. Neftali Feliz picked up his second save of the World Series.

The Rangers and Cardinals play game 6 of the World Series Thursday night at 8:05 PM.