Rangers Take Game 1 of the ALDS in Toronto

In a season full of surprising people, the Texas Rangers surprised a few more yesterday. 

The Rangers continued their playoff dominance against David Price as Yovani Gallardo took a perfect game into the 4th inning before allowing a hit in a 5 - 3 win against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

This win now means Toronto must win three out of the next four to win the series - two of which are in Texas. 

The Rangers are the definite underdog of the series, with 23 out of 23 ESPN experts picking them to lose the series. I think this team loves being the underdog.

Adrian Beltre showed once again he can't play on turf when he injured his back early in the game and then again on an RBI single. After barely being able to get to first base, he didn't return to third base in the bottom of the inning. Beltre will get the day off today and hopefully be available for the game in Texas.

Rougned Odor added 2 HBP and a home run to his stellar defense to his game ball performance. Robinson Chirinos added a home run off his old battery mate Price from their time in Tampa Bay.

Keone Kela had a strong inning after giving up a home run to Jose Bautista, and Jake Diekman used 16 pitches to mow through two innings, allowing Sam Dyson, not closer Shawn Tolleson, to get the save in the ballgame using his propensity to get ground ball outs with his vicious sinker.

Josh Donaldson left the game with concussion-like symptoms after sliding into Odor's knee trying to break up a double play. Bautista couldn't make his way out of the dugout late in the game because of cramps. Both sluggers are expected to play today, October 9.

To win this game, Josh Hamilton and Prince Fielder have to bust their extended post-season woes today in place of Beltre. Today is huge, and that's why Ice Cole is on the mound.

Former World Series MVP Cole Hamels faces off against Marcus Stroman, who has only four starts this season, but has racked up four wins and a 1.67 ERA. 

The game starts at 11:30 a.m.