MLB

World Series Best Shots: Game 2

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 22, 2011

World Series Best Shots: Game 2

The Cardinals held a 1-0 series lead and a 1-0 Game 2 advantage heading into the ninth inning Thursday. But the Rangers pulled off a surprising, and unusual rally -- driving in two runs via two sacrifice flies to steal a 2-1 victory and square the World Series. Nelson Cruz drove in the tying run with a deep fly and Michael Young brought the game-winning run home with a pop fly of his own.

Albert Pujols went 0-for-4 and flied out to right in what was possibly his final at-bat as a Cardinal in St. Louis.

Rangers starter Colby Lewis set the pace for Texas, pitching into the seventh inning while allowing just four hits and one earned run.

Cardinals starter Jamie Garcia turned in a sharp performance Thursday, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing just three hits. Garcia also struck out seven and allowed just one walk.

Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman connects with a pitch early in Game 2. The slugger would finish 1-of-4 with two strikeouts.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton didn't get a hit in Game 2, but he did drive in the game-tying run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning.

Cardinals second baseman Nick Punto and Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler collide after St. Louis turned a double play in the fourth inning.

Cardinals pitcher Jamie Garcia was destined for the win before St. Louis' bullpen gave up two runs in the ninth.

Rangers outfielder and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz watches a pop fly during Game 2 of the World Series. Cruz finished 0-of-3 with a strikeout.

Albert Pujols holds his follow through after flying out during Game 2 of the World Series.

For the second straight game, Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig drove in the go-ahead-run for St. Louis. But his effort would be nixed two innings later when Texas took the lead for good.