Freddy Sanchez: The San Francisco Giants weren't supposed to be able to outslug the mighty Texas Rangers offense. But then again, this team has been defying expectations throughout this postseason.Second baseman Freddy Sanchez was in the middle of all three of San Francisco's big innings, going 4-for-5 with three RBI in the Giants' 11-7 win in Game 1 and becoming the first player to double in each of his first three World Series at-bats.
"I love to be up in big situations, game on the line," he said. "You're not always going to come through, but when you do, it feels good."
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The doubles theme started inauspiciously. After his double in the opening inning, Sanchez was doubled off second for the final out.
But in the third inning with Texas on top 2-0, his two-bagger plated the Giants' first run and snapped a 16-inning postseason scoreless streak for Rangers ace Cliff Lee, who took the first postseason loss of his career.
Then in the fifth, double No. 3 snapped a 2-2 tie and sparked a decisive six-run rally that finished off Lee and put the Giants on cruise control.
"When he gets hot, he can get as hot as anybody. He carried us tonight," said Giants outfielder Cody Ross. "Another different hero tonight. It's just the way our team is."
The Giants tied the 2002 club's World Series record with seven extra-base hits in the game.
The doubles were a bit unexpected from someone who had 30 extra-base hits during the regular season.
"At the beginning of the postseason, I was feeling anxious and not relaxed," Sanchez said. "As the postseason has gone on, I've felt more confident at the plate."
He nearly tied a World Series record with a fourth double, but his hot shot down the right-field line in the eighth inning was changed to a single and an error on right fielder Vladimir Guerrero.
Sanchez's postseason heroics were in stark contrast to the way his season started. He didn't play his first game until May 19, starting the season on the disabled list because of shoulder surgery.
A midseason slump dropped the 2006 National League batting champion's average to a season-low .255 on Aug. 11, but Sanchez hit .371 the rest of the way.
"He didn't just accidentally win a batting title," said Giants closer Brian Wilson of the 2006 crown Sanchez won with the Pittsburgh Pirates. "He's one of the most prepared guys I've seen."
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