Not Bringing Feliz Back Was Wash's Biggest Mistake

Neftali Feliz entered Thursday's Game 6 of the World Series having converted seven of his last seven save opportunities in the postseason.

That streak came to an end on Thursday when Feliz couldn't save a 7-5 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning but out of the inning while stranding a runner at third that would've won the game for the Cardinals in regulation.

Tied 7-7 in the top of the 10th, Josh Hamilton wrote a storybook ending for the Rangers when he sent the first pitch he saw into the right field seats to give the Rangers a 9-7 lead as Busch Stadium was completely deflated after the elation from the previous half-inning.

Perfect opportunity for Feliz to come back in for the bottom of the 10th, face the Cardinals 8, 9 and 1 hitters and redeem himself by bringing a World Series trophy to Arlington, right?

Wrong.

Instead, Ron Washington brought in ancient lefty Darren Oliver, who was on the Rangers first-ever playoff team in 1996, to try to close out a clinching game in the World Series.

And that went horribly as the Cardinals tied things back up after a Lance Berkman single.

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Apparently, Feliz was inconsolable after the game and left the clubhouse in a hurry, leaving many to wonder if he'll be right if called upon tonight.

Washington is known for sticking with his guys, so why did he decide not to stick with Feliz for the 10th inning? We'll never know.

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