The Texas Rangers' bats, so explosive in the postseason, simply didn't show up on Sunday night in Game 4 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. Texas mustered only three hits off 21-year-old pitcher Madison Bumgarner and lost, 4-0.
Series status: Giants 3, Rangers 1. Favorable? Absolutely not. Worth the trip back home? Absolutely.
Sure, being at Rangers Ballpark on Sunday for the loss was far from ideal. But I was at Rangers Ballpark for the World Series. My brother Dave was also in town and went with me.
That's still pretty sweet. Who knows when the Rangers play in the World Series again? Who knows when Dave and I will be back in Plano at the same time again? I'd like to forget about the game played on the field as soon as possible, but I won't forget about this trip any time soon.
We arrived at the ballpark around 5:20 p.m., plenty of time before the 7:20 p.m. first pitch. Parking wasn't too bad for a World Series. There was a lot next to the Sheraton hotel for $20.
Before navigating to our seats, we wanted to soak up the atmosphere. Purchased the program for $15. Gladly accepted the complimentary towels and World series pins. Made for a solid souvenir collection.
At about 6 p.m., we ordered some pizza and found a table on the third deck to lounge out and grub.
We made our way to the seats (section 343, row 20, seats 17 and 18; upper deck, first base side) by 6:20 p.m., an hour before first pitch. The stadium was packed and the feeling was surreal. I had been to countless regular-season games where the upper deck was rather empty.
Every seat was taken on Sunday. Announced attendance: 51,920 (105.6 percent full).
President George W. Bush tossed the first pitch to team co-owner and president Nolan Ryan.
It was a special atmosphere. Just wish we had more plays on the field from which to cheer.
Game 5 is tonight in Arlington and I'll be watching on TV. We need Cliff Lee to rebound from his rare off night from Game 1 and get Texas back in this series. Beating Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain on consecutive nights to force a Game 7 seems unlikely, but it's the only way we play for a World Series championship. I'm still holding out some hope.
Sunday was one of the most memorable experiences I've had since being a Rangers fan. And it will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future.
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