Allen Craig and Albert Pujols in World Series record books

Three games into the 2011 World Series and Allen Craig and Albert Pujols have already added their names to the World Series record books. Craig set a record by having two pinch hit go ahead RBI in a World Series and he managed it in the first two games. Pujols splashed his name all over the record book in game three tying single of game records of home runs with three, hits with five, RBI with six and set the total bases record with 14.


Craig laid the foundation for his record in game one when he pinch hit for pitcher Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Texas Rangers had Alexi Ogando on the mound in relief of starter C.J. Wilson who had given up a hit to David Freese and then walked Nick Punto. Craig singled to right to score Freese and earned the RBI. It was also a game winning RBI as the score stayed 3-2 to the end.


A similar scenario played out in game two as Ogando relieved starter Colby Lewis after he had given up hits to Freese and Punto in a scoreless game in the bottom of the seventh inning. Craig entered the game to pinch hit for pitcher Jaime Garcia and he singled off Ogando to knock in Freese and give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. The Rangers later scored twice in the ninth to win 2-1.


Pujols put the Cardinals on his broad shoulders in game three. He started out slow with a ground out to third in the top of the first inning but that would be the only time the Rangers would keep him off base in the game. He singled to left to start out the fourth inning but was out at second on Matt Holliday's fielder's  choice to shortstop. He led off the fifth inning and singled to center and later scored as Freese grounded out to third. In the sixth it was Pujols turn to terrorize Ogando as he slugged a 431 foot home run to left with Ryan Theriot and Rafael Furcal on base. In the seventh inning he hit a 424 foot home run to center off Mike Gonzalez with Craig on base. He capped his performance with a solo shot in the ninth as he put an offering by Darren Oliver 420 feet into the left field seats. Not a bad day going 5 for 6 with four runs, six RBI, three home runs and 14 total bases. That third home run also put Pujols at icon status by matching the legendary performances of Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson. The Cardinals crushed the Rangers 16-7.