After the game 6 fiasco when the Cardinals finally prevailed over the Rangers in what should have been the final game of the series (in the Ranger’s favor), I had a bad omen about game 7. I have seen this kind of stuff happen before, and my instinct was correct. The Rangers lost the final game 6-2; but let me tell you in one word why this team faltered: Walks.
The Rangers gave up a World Series record 41 walks, smashing the Florida Marlins record of 40 free passes in 1997. During the regular season The Rangers had fewer walks the 23 other teams, but when the heat was turned up in the playoffs; they choked. Here is a breakdown of the worst offenders:
C.J. Wilson- 11 walks in 12 1/3 innings
Alexi Ogando- 7 walks in 2 2/3 innings
Feldman- 6 walks in 5 innings
Naftali Feliz- 4 walks in 3 2/3 innings
Even little leaguers know that you cannot walk hitters and win games (3 of the Rangers 6 walks in game 7 turned into runs.) I don’t know how to explain it.
Instead of doing the reindeer sign, Ranger fans should start doing the choke sign.