Ian Kinsler made history in his first postseason. Riding a 3-for-4 night, including a two-run, ninth-inning homer that put the final dagger in the Tampa Bay Rays, the Texas Rangers' second baseman hit safely and scored a run in all five games of the ALDS.
The only other player to get his postseason career off to such a flying start was Boston's Nomar Garciaparra.
Kinsler's huge game, coming in the most important nine innings for the Rangers franchise -- no longer the only one not to win a playoff series -- made him 8-for-18. a team-best .444 average in the series, with three home runs, tied with Nelson Cruz, and a team-high six RBIs.
■ Tucson's Ian Kinsler helps Texas Rangers make history (Tucson Citizen)
The Lone Star State knows a thing or two about heat.
So, too, does Ian Kinsler, who may not be the sole star on the Texas Rangers, but he’s certainly their hottest hitter at the plate.
The Canyon Del Oro (Oro Valley, Ariz.) High School grad propelled the Rangers on Tuesday night to the first postseason series victory in the franchise’s 49-year history with a 3-4, 3-RBI performance, highlighted by a 2-run, ninth-inning home run.
■ Kinsler caps stellar ALDS with homer (MLB.com)
"He plays with an edge and that edge showed up throughout this series. It was a big series for Ian Kinsler. People will take notice of him now."
The 28-year-old had at least one hit and scored a run in each of the five AL Division Series games.
"I'm just trying to get on base," Kinsler said. "I'm trying to do whatever it takes for this team to win. It's pretty simple in the playoffs. I've been doing it all, but when you're in the playoffs it obviously elevates the level of focus. I'm just trying to do the same thing I've done all year, just a little bit more focused."
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