2011 American League Championship Series
Encyclopedia
The 2011 American League Championship Series
(abbreviated ALCS) was a best-of-seven playoff pitting the winners of the 2011 American League Division Series
, the Texas Rangers
and Detroit Tigers
, against each other for the American League
championship and the right to be the league's representative in the 2011 World Series
. The series was the 42nd in league history.
While the 2010 American League Championship series began on October 15, the 2011 series began on October 8 to accommodate the World Series, which is scheduled to begin on October 19. Fox televised all games in the United States. Games 1, 2, and 6 were played at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
, while the other games were played at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
.
This was the first postseason meeting between the Rangers and the Tigers. The Tigers appeared in the ALCS for the first time since 2006
, while the Rangers were playing in their second consecutive appearance
.
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
The Tigers loaded the bases in the first inning with one out, but C. J. Wilson
escaped the jam when Magglio Ordóñez
grounded into a double play. The Rangers scored two runs in the second on a triple from David Murphy and a single from Ian Kinsler
. Nelson Cruz added a solo home run in the fourth. After a 41-minute rain delay, Austin Jackson doubled in the Tigers first run. Then after two walks loaded the bases, a wild pitch brought home Jackson to make the score 3–2 Rangers. After a second rain delay, Michael Gonzalez relieved Wilson and got out of the inning. Rick Porcello pitched two innings of relief of Verlander and the bullpens took over from there. After the Rangers bullpen threw innings of scoreless relief, Neftalí Feliz came on to get the save. After allowing a lead off single, Feliz struck out the next three to save it for the Rangers.
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Game 2 was originally scheduled for October 9, but was postponed hours before it began due to the forecast of heavy rain in the area, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the previous game. However, the rain never actually came; forecasts just prior to what would have been the beginning of the game indicated only a 10% chance of rain.
Josh Hamilton and Adrián Beltré each had an RBI in the first to give the Rangers an early lead. However, Ryan Raburn hit a three-run home run in the third to give the Tigers the lead. Nelson Cruz hit a home run in the seventh the tie the game 3–3. The Rangers loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth against Tigers' closer José Valverde
, but Valverde escaped the jam with a shallow fly ball and a 3–2–3 double play, leading to the Rangers' first postseason extra-inning game. After two scoreless innings from the bullpen, the Rangers again loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 11th inning. This time, however, the Rangers ended the game when Nelson Cruz hit a game-winning grand slam
, the first officially recorded walk-off
grand slam in Major League Baseball postseason history and the first walk-off win in Rangers' postseason history.
) at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
The Rangers began the game with three straight hits from Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, and Josh Hamilton scoring a run. Tiger starter Doug Fister, however, limited the damage by getting Michael Young to ground into a double play and striking out Adrián Beltré. The Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on a Víctor Martínez solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the fifth on a two-out two-strike hit by Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers made it 3–1 with another solo home run by Jhonny Peralta. They added another run on an Austin Jackson single. The Tigers extended their lead to 5–1 on yet another solo home run in the seventh by Miguel Cabrera. José Valverde came on in the ninth to get the save. He worked around a leadoff double by Josh Hamilton to secure the Tigers' first victory of the series.
) at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
After a 133-minute rain delay , Game 4 commenced. The Tigers rallied for two runs in the bottom of the third inning on singles by Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn. Miguel Cabrera drove them in with a two-run double. The Rangers got on the board in the sixth with a David Murphy single and an Ian Kinsler double. Elvis Andrus tied the game with a hit of his own. The Rangers grabbed the lead on a single by Michael Young after a wild pick-off throw to first allowed Andrus to advance to second base. Rick Porcello struggled in the seventh, allowing two singles, chasing him from the game. Al Alburquerque walked a batter to load the bases, but left them stranded. Brandon Inge tied the game with a solo home run in the seventh inning. In the eighth, the Tigers threatened when Miguel Cabrera walked and Víctor Martínez singled to advance Cabrera to third. Delmon Young hit a deep fly ball to Nelson Cruz, but he caught it and threw it to home plate to tag Cabrera out. In the 11th, the Rangers grabbed a 4–3 lead on a leadoff double by Josh Hamilton and a one-out single by Mike Napoli. Nelson Cruz then hit his fourth home run of the series, a three-run shot to make it 7–3 Rangers. That would be the final score as the Tigers went down in order in the bottom of the inning.
) at Comerica Park
in Detroit, Michigan
The Rangers struck quickly in the first inning against Justin Verlander on a leadoff double from Ian Kinsler, a bunt from Elvis Andrus, and sacrifice fly from Josh Hamilton. Avila scored in a home run hit in the third inning to tie it 1–1. Delmon Young gave Detroit their first lead in Game 5 of the ALCS with a home run hit in the bottom of the fourth. Hamilton tied the game up in the fifth inning for the Rangers after Kinsler walked with one out and moved to second after an Andrus single. The Tigers rallied for four runs in the sixth inning on a Ryan Raburn single, Miguel Cabrera double, Víctor Martínez triple, and Delmon Young home run to make it 6–2 Tigers. In doing so, they became the first team to hit for a "combined" natural cycle in four consecutive at bats. The Rangers chipped away with another home run from Nelson Cruz. The Rangers put the tying run on base in the ninth inning, but Phil Coke got Mike Napoli to ground out to second base for the save.
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Looking to force a decisive Game 7, the Tigers struck first on a solo home run in the first by Miguel Cabrera. They added another solo shot in the second by Jhonny Peralta with one out to make the score 2–0 Tigers.
However, any chance the Tigers had of forcing a Game 7 would fall apart courtesy of a nine-run Rangers third inning. After Ian Kinsler grounded sharply to Brandon Inge for the first out, Elvis Andrus walked followed by a single from Josh Hamilton. Michael Young, who had been in a terrible slump the entire postseason, doubled down the left-field line sending both runners home to tie it at two. Adrián Beltré singled, scoring Michael Young. Following walks for both Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz, the Tigers pulled Max Scherzer and put in Daniel Schlereth. David Murphy singled home both Napoli and Beltré, and with David Murphy and Nelson Cruz on first and second, respectively. Tiger starter Rick Porcello was bought in to face Endy Chávez; the Rangers countered by pinch-hitting Craig Gentry, who reached on a fielder's choice. Kinsler singled to scored Cruz and Murphy. Andrus reached on a fielder's choice, loading the bases. Michael Young finished the inning by doubling down the right-field line, sending home Kinsler and Andrus. Young would become the first player in postseason history to have two extra-base hits in the same inning.
Looking for a comeback, the Tigers got two back on an Austin Jackson home run in the top of the fifth, chasing Holland, but the Rangers answered with a Josh Hamilton sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth to make it 10–4 Rangers.
The Rangers extended the lead to 12–4 in the sixth and 15–4 with a home run from Young and the sixth home run of the series from Nelson Cruz in the seventh to rout the Tigers. The Tigers scored their last run on a second solo home run from Miguel Cabrera. In hitting a postseason record six home runs throughout the series, including two in extra-innings (one being a walk-off grand slam
), Nelson Cruz earned the Series MVP
award.
over Detroit Tigers
hit a game-winning grand slam off Kevin McGlinchy
in 1999 NLCS but never made it home as he was mobbed by his teammates between first and second base, so it was ruled a single. This event came to be known as the "Grand Slam Single
".
American League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series , played in October, is a round in the postseason that determines the winner of the American League pennant...
(abbreviated ALCS) was a best-of-seven playoff pitting the winners of the 2011 American League Division Series
2011 American League Division Series
The 2011 American League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played...
, the Texas Rangers
2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....
and Detroit Tigers
2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
, against each other for the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
championship and the right to be the league's representative in the 2011 World Series
2011 World Series
The 2011 World Series was the 107th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion St...
. The series was the 42nd in league history.
While the 2010 American League Championship series began on October 15, the 2011 series began on October 8 to accommodate the World Series, which is scheduled to begin on October 19. Fox televised all games in the United States. Games 1, 2, and 6 were played at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
, while the other games were played at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
.
This was the first postseason meeting between the Rangers and the Tigers. The Tigers appeared in the ALCS for the first time since 2006
2006 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CaliforniaOakland was 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, while Detroit turned four double plays...
, while the Rangers were playing in their second consecutive appearance
2010 American League Championship Series
The 2010 American League Championship Series was the best-of-seven game series pitting the winners of the 2010 American League Division Series for the American League Championship. The American League wild card-winning New York Yankees faced the American League Western Division champions Texas...
.
Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers
†: postponed from October 9 due to rainGame 1
Saturday, October 8, 2011 – 8:05 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
The Tigers loaded the bases in the first inning with one out, but C. J. Wilson
C. J. Wilson
Christopher John "C. J." Wilson is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is a free agent after playing with the Texas Rangers from 2005-2011.-College:...
escaped the jam when Magglio Ordóñez
Magglio Ordóñez
Magglio José Ordóñez Delgado is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right fielder. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers . Ordóñez is six feet, one inch tall and weighs .-Professional career:...
grounded into a double play. The Rangers scored two runs in the second on a triple from David Murphy and a single from Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
. Nelson Cruz added a solo home run in the fourth. After a 41-minute rain delay, Austin Jackson doubled in the Tigers first run. Then after two walks loaded the bases, a wild pitch brought home Jackson to make the score 3–2 Rangers. After a second rain delay, Michael Gonzalez relieved Wilson and got out of the inning. Rick Porcello pitched two innings of relief of Verlander and the bullpens took over from there. After the Rangers bullpen threw innings of scoreless relief, Neftalí Feliz came on to get the save. After allowing a lead off single, Feliz struck out the next three to save it for the Rangers.
Game 2
Monday, October 10, 2011 – 4:19 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
Game 2 was originally scheduled for October 9, but was postponed hours before it began due to the forecast of heavy rain in the area, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the previous game. However, the rain never actually came; forecasts just prior to what would have been the beginning of the game indicated only a 10% chance of rain.
Josh Hamilton and Adrián Beltré each had an RBI in the first to give the Rangers an early lead. However, Ryan Raburn hit a three-run home run in the third to give the Tigers the lead. Nelson Cruz hit a home run in the seventh the tie the game 3–3. The Rangers loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth against Tigers' closer José Valverde
José Valverde
José Rafael Valverde is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. His nickname is Papa Grande...
, but Valverde escaped the jam with a shallow fly ball and a 3–2–3 double play, leading to the Rangers' first postseason extra-inning game. After two scoreless innings from the bullpen, the Rangers again loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 11th inning. This time, however, the Rangers ended the game when Nelson Cruz hit a game-winning grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
, the first officially recorded walk-off
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
grand slam in Major League Baseball postseason history and the first walk-off win in Rangers' postseason history.
Game 3
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 – 8:05 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
The Rangers began the game with three straight hits from Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, and Josh Hamilton scoring a run. Tiger starter Doug Fister, however, limited the damage by getting Michael Young to ground into a double play and striking out Adrián Beltré. The Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on a Víctor Martínez solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the fifth on a two-out two-strike hit by Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers made it 3–1 with another solo home run by Jhonny Peralta. They added another run on an Austin Jackson single. The Tigers extended their lead to 5–1 on yet another solo home run in the seventh by Miguel Cabrera. José Valverde came on in the ninth to get the save. He worked around a leadoff double by Josh Hamilton to secure the Tigers' first victory of the series.
Game 4
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 – 4:19 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
After a 133-minute rain delay , Game 4 commenced. The Tigers rallied for two runs in the bottom of the third inning on singles by Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn. Miguel Cabrera drove them in with a two-run double. The Rangers got on the board in the sixth with a David Murphy single and an Ian Kinsler double. Elvis Andrus tied the game with a hit of his own. The Rangers grabbed the lead on a single by Michael Young after a wild pick-off throw to first allowed Andrus to advance to second base. Rick Porcello struggled in the seventh, allowing two singles, chasing him from the game. Al Alburquerque walked a batter to load the bases, but left them stranded. Brandon Inge tied the game with a solo home run in the seventh inning. In the eighth, the Tigers threatened when Miguel Cabrera walked and Víctor Martínez singled to advance Cabrera to third. Delmon Young hit a deep fly ball to Nelson Cruz, but he caught it and threw it to home plate to tag Cabrera out. In the 11th, the Rangers grabbed a 4–3 lead on a leadoff double by Josh Hamilton and a one-out single by Mike Napoli. Nelson Cruz then hit his fourth home run of the series, a three-run shot to make it 7–3 Rangers. That would be the final score as the Tigers went down in order in the bottom of the inning.
Game 5
Thursday, October 13, 2011 – 4:19 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
in Detroit, Michigan
The Rangers struck quickly in the first inning against Justin Verlander on a leadoff double from Ian Kinsler, a bunt from Elvis Andrus, and sacrifice fly from Josh Hamilton. Avila scored in a home run hit in the third inning to tie it 1–1. Delmon Young gave Detroit their first lead in Game 5 of the ALCS with a home run hit in the bottom of the fourth. Hamilton tied the game up in the fifth inning for the Rangers after Kinsler walked with one out and moved to second after an Andrus single. The Tigers rallied for four runs in the sixth inning on a Ryan Raburn single, Miguel Cabrera double, Víctor Martínez triple, and Delmon Young home run to make it 6–2 Tigers. In doing so, they became the first team to hit for a "combined" natural cycle in four consecutive at bats. The Rangers chipped away with another home run from Nelson Cruz. The Rangers put the tying run on base in the ninth inning, but Phil Coke got Mike Napoli to ground out to second base for the save.
Game 6
Saturday, October 15, 2011 – 8:05 pm (EDTEastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
Looking to force a decisive Game 7, the Tigers struck first on a solo home run in the first by Miguel Cabrera. They added another solo shot in the second by Jhonny Peralta with one out to make the score 2–0 Tigers.
However, any chance the Tigers had of forcing a Game 7 would fall apart courtesy of a nine-run Rangers third inning. After Ian Kinsler grounded sharply to Brandon Inge for the first out, Elvis Andrus walked followed by a single from Josh Hamilton. Michael Young, who had been in a terrible slump the entire postseason, doubled down the left-field line sending both runners home to tie it at two. Adrián Beltré singled, scoring Michael Young. Following walks for both Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz, the Tigers pulled Max Scherzer and put in Daniel Schlereth. David Murphy singled home both Napoli and Beltré, and with David Murphy and Nelson Cruz on first and second, respectively. Tiger starter Rick Porcello was bought in to face Endy Chávez; the Rangers countered by pinch-hitting Craig Gentry, who reached on a fielder's choice. Kinsler singled to scored Cruz and Murphy. Andrus reached on a fielder's choice, loading the bases. Michael Young finished the inning by doubling down the right-field line, sending home Kinsler and Andrus. Young would become the first player in postseason history to have two extra-base hits in the same inning.
Looking for a comeback, the Tigers got two back on an Austin Jackson home run in the top of the fifth, chasing Holland, but the Rangers answered with a Josh Hamilton sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth to make it 10–4 Rangers.
The Rangers extended the lead to 12–4 in the sixth and 15–4 with a home run from Young and the sixth home run of the series from Nelson Cruz in the seventh to rout the Tigers. The Tigers scored their last run on a second solo home run from Miguel Cabrera. In hitting a postseason record six home runs throughout the series, including two in extra-innings (one being a walk-off grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
), Nelson Cruz earned the Series MVP
League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
The second round of the Major League Baseball post-season is known as the League Championship Series . This series has a best-of-seven playoff format, and currently follows the Division Series, in which the three division champions and one wild card team from each league play against each other...
award.
Composite box
2011 ALCS (4–2): Texas Rangers2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....
over Detroit Tigers
2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
Footnotes
Robin VenturaRobin Ventura
Robin Mark Ventura is the current manager of the Chicago White Sox. He is a former professional baseball player, a third baseman who played for four major league teams, most notably for the Chicago White Sox...
hit a game-winning grand slam off Kevin McGlinchy
Kevin McGlinchy
Kevin McGlinchy , is a professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1999-2000 with the Atlanta Braves. In the 1999 National League Championship Series, he gave up the famous Grand Slam Single to Robin Ventura in game 5. However, the Braves would win the next game to take the...
in 1999 NLCS but never made it home as he was mobbed by his teammates between first and second base, so it was ruled a single. This event came to be known as the "Grand Slam Single
Grand Slam Single
The Grand Slam Single is a reference to the hit that ended Game 5 of the 1999 National League Championship Series between the New York Mets and one of their biggest rivals, Atlanta Braves...
".