Going Back To Texas - N.Y. Wins 7-2

Yankees bounce back in must-win game, roughing up C.J. Wilson and shutting down the Rangers' vaunted offense to send the series back to Arlington. (Above: Derek Jeter reacts after catching Elvis Andrus slipping on second base in the seventh inning. AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

You had to expect this result.

As much as the Texas Rangers dominated the last three games of the series, the New York Yankees weren't going to lose three straight games in the Bronx. This game was a forgone conclusion as the Yankees were geared up and ready with their collective backs against the wall.

"It's not disappointing. It's a seven-game series." Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Those guys over there are champs. We didn't expect them to lay down, and they came out today and they were very aggressive."

Washington is right, and the Rangers now have two shots to put away the defending champs at home. Unfortunately, the series could have been over Wednesday afternoon, but a poor start on the mound and the lack of timely hitting made sure the series was coming back to Arlington.

Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson battled control issues (and muddy cleats) all afternoon. Wilson allowed six runs (five earned), nearly doubling his previous earned run total in two postseason starts (three), on six hits while walking four batters. The American League leader in walks during the regular season reverted to a trend he showed at times during the year where he tried to make the perfect pitch, and that worked against him in game five. Wilson threw only three more strikes (48) than balls on the afternoon (45), and that's a recipe for disaster against a potent lineup like the Yankees.

The Rangers' offense had it's chances as well, outhitting New York 13 to nine for the game, but failed to register the clutch hits like earlier in the series. Texas finished the game 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, stranding eight runners and scoring only two runs on a whooping 13 hits.

"There's no frustration or feeling like we didn't accomplish what we wanted to do." third baseman Michael Young said. "We'll just go home and try to finish it off."

Texas returns home with Colby Lewis on the mound Friday night and, if necessary, the 7-0 Cliff Lee Saturday. N.Y. will send Phil Hughes to the mound in game six.

News and Notes:

• The loss Wednesday snaps a five game road playoff winning streak for Texas.
• Both Josh Hamilton and Robinson Cano (who homered off Wilson in game five) share the record (4) for American League Championship Series home runs, and there are still two games to play in the series. Hamilton is also two away from tying Juan Gonzalez in career franchise postseason home runs.
• Nelson Cruz left game five early after tweaking his hamstring in the outfield. Cruz vows to play in game six.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)