When the Rangers blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning to create the need for a final-day victory, it meant that former Phillies ace Cole Hamels would have to pitch on Sunday. That also meant that the Hamels would not be able to pitch game one of the American League Division Series. But, fear not: Hamels took the leadership reigns to help propel the Rangers into the playoffs.
Hamels could have had Sunday off. Instead, he was pitching a must-win game on the final day of the season. Had the Rangers lost, they might have found themselves tied for the Wild Card, and had to play on Monday. Hamels stepped up and the Rangers won the division with a 9-2 victory.
Hamels' leadership made such a difference to the Angels and catcher Chris Gimenez:
"Especially after this game," Gimenez said. "We all know what's at stake, and there is a good thing there is a tomorrow. We've got the right guy going in the right situation. I have no doubts that he will be Ultimate Cole Hamels."
In the Dallas Morning News, Evan Grant was reminded of 2011, when the Rangers came within a strike of a World Series victory twice but were still unable to pull it off:
It was like 2011 all over again Saturday, as the Rangers couldn't hold a two-out, two-strike lead in the ninth in an 11-10 loss to Los Angeles. It prevented the Rangers from clinching the AL West.
"Sometimes the game should be 26 outs," Andrus said.
"Oh, no, my friend," Cole Hamels interrupted. "You have to earn them. Every one of them."
The Rangers seemed to get the message.
Hamels will take the mound early Friday afternoon in game two of the American League Division Series. Already up one game to nothing against the hot Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, the Rangers must be feeling pretty good about their chances. However, they will not take a single out for granted, thanks to Hamels.
