Detroit, MI

Nelson Cruz sustained his late inning success Wednesday, blasting a three-run homer in the 11th to give the Texas Rangers a 7-3 win against the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park. The Rangers will try to close out the series Thursday in Arlington.

Cruz once again played the hero's role for the second time in the AL Championship Series, pushing the Rangers one win away from clinching their second straight World Series appearance.

Cruz has become the Rangers' Mr. October with his strong play down the stretch.

In Game 2 of the series, Cruz' walk-off grand slam made him the first player to accomplish the feat in an MLB postseason game.

Cruz also snared a flyball by Delmon Young and then made a nice throw to catcher Mike Napoli, who tagged out Miguel Cabrera at home plate to complete a crucial double play in the 8th inning.

The Rangers got big time hits as well from second baseman Ian Kinsler, short stop Elvis Andrus, first baseman Michael Young.

Napoli, who has been steady behind the plate, also delivered a crucial RBI single to give his team the taste of the lead in the extra inning and set Cruz up for the dagger.

The Tigers blew an early lead again and are headed to Texas in a 3-1 hole.

Cabrera finished with two RBI, while third baseman Brandon Inge belted a homer that sent the game into extras.

Rangers starter Matt Harrison surrendered three hits and two earned run with three strikeouts in five innings, but the bullpen once again stepped up when needed.

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