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And a very pleasant good afternoon to you, wherever you may be. From beautiful Citi Field in Queens, New York — under clear skies and a soft, cool breeze drifting in from left — this was Game Two of the 1922 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the defending champion New York Mets.
Yesterday, it was the Mets’ bats that rang out across the night. But on this day, it was Texas that answered back, steady, patient, and precise, as the Rangers evened the series with a 4–1 victory.
The star of the show? A right-hander named Vinny Luevanos — calm as a Sunday stroll through the park. Seven innings of five-hit baseball, just one run allowed, and not a hint of panic on that young man’s face. He threw strikes, trusted his defense, and when he needed a little extra, he found it.
And oh, that Texas defense — smooth as a well-oiled glove. Three double plays turned with textbook precision: Schwab to Guerrero to Martinez. You could almost hear the ball whispering its thanks as it zipped around the infield.
The game turned in the top of the fourth, when second baseman Tony Guerrero, who’s been a rock for this Rangers club, stepped to the plate with runners on. A sharp single to left scored a pair, giving Texas the lead they’d never surrender. Guerrero finished two-for-four with two runs batted in — a quiet leader doing what leaders do.
Meanwhile, for New York, it just wasn’t their day. They struck early — Kevin Brubaker crossing the plate in the bottom of the first after Rafael Contreras drove him in. But from there, Luevanos and closer Jesse Gates slammed the door shut. Only two Mets reached base over the final five innings.
Bobby Colon, the veteran right-hander for New York, battled as he always does — eight and a third innings, seven strikeouts, and just one earned run through the first seven frames. But a walk here, a seeing-eye single there, and Texas made him pay the small price that becomes a big one in October.
So the Rangers, resilient and relentless, pack their bags for Arlington with the series tied at one game apiece. Game Three comes Sunday at Globe Life Field, where the Texas faithful will have their first chance to welcome the Fall Classic home.
And that’s the beauty of baseball — yesterday, the Mets looked unstoppable. Today, the Rangers looked untouchable. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow belongs to whoever wants it most.
From Citi Field in New York — where 39,603 fans bundled against the autumn chill and saw a gem from Vinny Luevanos — this is Vin Scully wishing you a very pleasant good evening, wherever you may be.
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