2011 World Series: Game 4

Posted on October 24, 2011

Derek Holland of the Texas Rangers pitches during Game Four of the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Sunday, October 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos)

 

Yesterday’s Game 4 of the 2011 World Series got off to a spectacular start here in Texas for our crew from MLB Photos. Our pre-game spread contained some of the best BBQ I have ever eaten with my hands at the Lockhart Smokehouse in Dallas. Oh man does this new place, trying to do it the REAL way like they do in Lockhart, Texas, do a nice job. They bring in the famous sausages from Kreuz Market in Lockhart, and do there own amazing preparation on brisket and ribs. The ribs I had might have been the best I have ever tasted, and I have been to Luling, Smitty’s and Kreuz, just to name a few well-known places. The fatty brisket with bark was off-the-charts insanely good. This fine meal, washed down with a Big Red, set me into a proper head space as we prepared for Game 4 between the Cardinals and Rangers.

Just like we did a few days ago in St. Louis, picture editor Jessica Foster and I went into the home clubhouse- this time of the Rangers- to photograph the uniforms in the lockers and any other items with World Series logos on them. This was a fun little assignment and we came away with some good pictures that will get lots of use. After that I went onto the field in search of some Rangers feature pictures in their home dugout during batting practice. Luckily one of my favorite players Nelson Cruz was in there and he did a quick pose with his son Nelson Jr. for me (see below).

By the time we got close to the first pitch I was very excited as I was shooting from an awesome spot inside first base. I was able to sit on a case so my camera was at ground level, creating the perspective I am always able to get in San Francisco. I had a very pretty blank canvas in front of me, all I needed to do was fill it up with pictures.

Unlike Game 3’s slug-fest, this one would be decided by pitching, and the young lefty for the Rangers pitched the game of his life. Derek Holland shoved the Cardinals bats right up their asses with a nifty 2-hit shutout over 8.1 innings. Holland got the only run he would need in the first inning, and then he was able to really relax after catcher Mike Napoli hit a booming three-run bomb in the 6th inning to give him a 4-0 lead.

Baseball is such a great game, and after the Cards beat the Hell out of the Rangers in Game 3 you would have thought that all the momentum was over in the Cards dugout. Not so fast! Earl Weaver once said “momentum is only as good as tomorrow’s starting pitcher.” Man was he right! I am thinking he had the young kid with the bad mustache in his mind when he muttered that phrase, no doubt while puffing on a ciggy.

By the time the game was over I was very happy. Because the Rangers won to even the Series at two games apiece we are now guaranteed a trip back to St. Louis and a possible Game 7. We have not had a Game 7 since 2002, but I really don’t want to talk about that one…

Game 5 is tonight, and we are back to the Game 1 starters, so another pitcher’s duel is a real possibility. I just hope it is a good ballgame, like most of them have been in this Series. The only negative aspect about today is there is no way our clubby will be able to replicate yesterday’s pre-game spread. No chance in Hell. Anything he serves us for lunch will be a total let down.