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“OH, BABY!”—RANGERS BATS EXPLODE IN GAME 3 WIN
By Sam Rosen | September 24, 2002 – Amalie Arena, Tampa
TAMPA BAY – It’s another big win for the New York Rangers! A scintillating offensive display, a 13-8 road victory, and now a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Conference Semifinals. And folks, the Broadway Blues are just one win away from punching their ticket to the next round.
And let me tell you—this one had it all. Early fireworks. Big flies. Grit. Guts. And in the end, the Rangers just outlasted Tampa Bay in a game that felt like a rollercoaster on ice.
Let’s go through it.
A First Inning for the Ages
You talk about setting the tone? How about a six-run top of the first?
The Rangers came out swinging—M. Grubin doubled to lead it off, then W. Cuylle blasted a two-run shot, and just a few batters later, *Eli Grubin—the kid—*crushed a three-run homer to deep left! Oh, BABY! What a way to start a ballgame!
Just like that, the Rangers led 6-0, chasing Tampa starter J. Perez after only one inning. And you could feel the Lightning crowd go silent.
Relentless at the Plate
New York followed up that monster first with five more runs in the second, including three home runs in the frame—I. Bliebernicht, B. Rice, and A. Grubin all went deep in a display of raw power and tremendous timing.
When the dust settled? It was 11-1 Rangers—and folks, it felt like a knockout punch. But not so fast.
Tampa’s Big Fightback
The Lightning didn’t quit. And how about Soup Nazi? The shortstop was 3-for-4, with a home run, two doubles, and 4 RBIs. He put the team on his back, and for a while, it looked like the comeback might be on. Baha Duqaq added two solo homers, and catcher B. Quero joined the power party with a blast of his own.
They cut the lead to 12-6 by the fifth. Then 12-7 after eight. And by the ninth, with Duqaq doubling and Nazi slashing another two-out double, it was 13-8. But that's as close as it got.
The Rangers bent—but they did not break.
Pitching with Poise
Let’s be honest: this was not a pitcher’s duel. H. Macias got roughed up for New York—4.2 innings, 4 earned, 4 home runs allowed. But credit to O. Nunez and the bullpen. They came in, quieted the storm, and gave the offense room to breathe.
And that, my friends, is how you win playoff games.
Across the Diamond
K. Kramer had three hits for New York, W. Cuylle was on base four times, and the Grubins—Eli, Avery, and Mark Grubin—combined for 6 runs, 6 hits, and 5 RBIs.
Oh, and how about that triple from M. Grubin in the ninth? Talk about hustle. That’s Ranger hockey baseball—er, you know what I mean!
What’s Next
So now, it’s Game 4, tomorrow, again in Tampa. The Rangers are hot. The bats are booming. And the Lightning? Well, their backs are against the wall.
You don’t have to be John Davidson to know what comes next: “It’s go time.”
A sweep is in sight. But you better believe Tampa Bay won’t go down without a fight.
For now though, the Rangers take a 13-8 win, a 3-0 series lead, and a whole lot of momentum.
Final Score: Rangers 13, Lightning 8
Player of the Game: Soup Nazi (Tampa Bay)
Game Time: 4:05
Attendance: 32,978
Series: Rangers lead 3-0
And as always, folks… “Thanks for joining us. Stay with us. This one’s far from over!”
Last edited by jg2977; 07-23-2025 at 11:56 AM.
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