5 Memorable Moments in Texas Rangers Playoff History
By Ryan Hunt
Posted on October 06, 2015, October 06, 2015

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The Rangers are back in the postseason for the first time since 2012, when they lost to the Baltimore Orioles in the first-ever AL Wild Card game, 5-1 in Arlington.

This season, the team won the AL West, meaning they will play a best-of-five game series against the Toronto Blue Jays that starts on Thursday, October 8, 2015.

The last two division titles came in 2010 and 2011 and both seasons resulted in a trip to the World Series.

Here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments (in chronological order) in Rangers postseason history.

1. First Playoff Game at Rangers"Ballpark in Arlington - October 4, 1996

More than 50,000 Texas Rangers fans were in attendance to see the Yankees and Rangers square off in the 1996 American League Division Series. The Rangers went on to lose that game 3-2, despite an incredible 8-inning performance from starting pitcher Darren Oliver. Despite the loss, the game marks a special moment, both for the team and the City of Arlington, being the first ever home playoff game in The American Dream City.

2. First Postseason Victory in Arlington - October 16, 2010

Fast forward to the 2010 American League Championship Series, where the Rangers found a familiar postseason foe, the New York Yankees. While the team defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, all three wins came on the road at Tropicana Field. Behind the arm of Colby Lewis and a strong offensive performance, the bullpen was able to close the door. The final score was 7-2, marking the first-ever postseason victory in Arlington.

3. Rangers Advance to 1st"World Series Appearance"- October 22, 2010

Colby Lewis is a name that comes up again and again when it comes to milestone moments in Rangers playoff history. A stellar performance of 8 innings, 7 strikeouts and just one run in front of the Arlington crowd helped Texas clinch its first World Series appearance, defeating the Yankees 6-1 in the ALCS to advance."Vladimir Guerrero also contributed to the cause, hitting a two-run double. Nelson Cruz also hit a two-run home run. Former Ranger Alex Rodriguez was a Neftali Feliz strikeout victim to end the game and send the Rangers to the World Series against the San Francisco Giants.

4. First World Series"Win and Home Game in Arlington - October 30, 2010

Two weeks after the team's first postseason win at home, the Rangers found themselves in the first home World Series game in Arlington history and once again it was Colby Lewis on the mound trying to get Texas a big postseason victory. Down 2-0 in the series, the Rangers went on to beat the San Francisco Giants, 4-2 behind a strong start from Colby Lewis (7.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 K) and a three-run home run by Mitch Moreland. It was Lewis' third win of the 2010 playoffs and is the first time the Rangers won a World Series game in the City of Arlington.

5. Games 4 and 5 of the 2011 World Series"- October 23-24, 2011

Down 2-1 in the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Rangers entered Game 4 in Arlington determined not to fall behind 3-1 in the series. In Game 4, the Rangers were led by a masterful pitching performance from lefty Derek Holland. Holland pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings and struck out seven batters. Mike Napoli also homered as the Rangers went on to even up the series with a 4-0 victory. In Game 5, also played in Arlington, the Rangers were tied 2-2 in the 8th inning, when they scored two late runs on a double by Mike Napoli to win 4-2. Darren Oliver capped off the dramatic victory, earning the win in relief. While the Rangers went on to lose the World Series four games to three to the Cardinals, the back-to-back wins to take a series lead at home are certainly one of the more memorable moments in Rangers postseason history.

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