Sabathia Saves Yanks From Elimination

NEW YORK (AP) _ The former closer failed to close out the New

York Yankees.

C.J. Wilson squandered his chance to pitch the Rangers into

their first World Series, allowing back-to-back homers Wednesday in

a 7-2 loss that trimmed Texas’ lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven AL

championship series.

That wasn’t the only thing that went wrong for the Rangers,

either. Streaking slugger Nelson Cruz was pulled in the fifth

inning with tightness in his troublesome left hamstring, and he is

day to day.

So much for smooth sailing right past the Yankees.

The surprising Rangers still have two opportunities to take the

pennant at home, beginning with Game 6 on Friday night. Even if New

York wins that one, Cliff Lee looms in Game 7.