Rangers confident heading home with 3-2 lead in ALCS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}By Daniel Trotta
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Texas Rangers missed out on their first chance to clinch a World Series berth when they fell 7-2 to the Yankees in New York on Wednesday, but were confident they could get the job done at home.
"We'll take our odds going home," said outfielder Jeff Francoeur as the best-of-seven returns to Texas, with the Rangers leading 3-2 and needing one more win to book a first trip to the Fall Classic in the 50-year life of the franchise.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We've got Colby (Lewis) and Cliff (Lee) going. They won their first games. We feel pretty confident about the way we're swinging the bats."
Game Six of the series to determine the American League team in the World Series will be Friday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, with Game Seven the next day, if needed.
"We played well when we were here," said third baseman Michael Young as the Rangers left the Bronx with two wins in three games at Yankee Stadium.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The last thing you want to do is feel like you are playing with house money. You want to make sure you go out and play every day to win every game.
"That's the way we played. We'll be ready for Game Six."
Hard-hitting outfielder Nelson Cruz said he expected to be ready for the resumption of the series despite being pulled from the middle of Game Five after feeling tightness in his left hamstring.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I'm ready. I should be playing," said Cruz, who has ripped four home runs during the post-season. "They just took me out because they didn't want to take any chances.
"I'll make sure I get rest today and tomorrow."
Lewis will go against New York's Phil Hughes, with Rangers ace Cliff Lee slated to duel Andy Pettitte should there be a climactic Game Seven.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I'm not thinking that far," Texas manager Ron Washington said about reaching a do-or-die game. "But it is nice to know that I have Cliff Lee if it does."
(Additional reporting by Larry Fine; Editing by Steve Ginsburg; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)