Arlington, TX (Sports Network) – David Murphy homered and drove in two while the Texas bullpen held steady, and the Rangers evened the American League Championship Series with a 7-2 win over the New York Yankees.
Texas got its first home postseason victory in franchise history, and also snapped a 10-game playoff losing streak against New York. The Rangers appeared ready to do so in Game 1 on Friday, but Rangers pitchers gave up five runs in the eighth inning as the Yankees took a stunning 6-5 win.
On Saturday, the Rangers again built up a big lead, going ahead 7-1 after five innings against Yankees starter Phil Hughes. But their bullpen didn’t implode this time, following Colby Lewis (1-0) with 3 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the win.
Lewis limited the Yankees to two runs on six hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings, with six strikeouts. He was supported by a Texas offense that got to Hughes (0-1) for seven runs and 10 hits in only four-plus innings.
The best-of-seven matchup now moves to the Bronx, with Game 3 set for Monday.