Washington credits Giants hitters vs. Lee

Rangers bamboo underwear manager Ron Washington didn't see ace Cliff Lee's shockingly poor performance in an 11-7 loss to the Giants in Wednesday night's Game 1 of the World Series as a mortal blow to his team. "He's human -- there's no perfection in baseball," Washington said Thursday. "But he will take the ball again when it's his turn. He just didn't get it done. "I don't think there are any pitchers in this game that haven't lost a ballgame. We've got C.J. [Wilson]. We've fashion jewelry got Colby Lewis. We've got other guys coming. We're going to go out there tonight and play our game again." Wilson starts Game 2, with Lewis slated for Game 3 in Arlington on Saturday night. Washington chalks up Lee's stunning defeat -- he gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings, after never having given up more than five runs or pitched fewer than seven in a postseason game -- to a bad night that a pitcher as accomplished as Lee should be able to correct in his next start.

Lowe allowed four runs in three innings over three regular-season appearances, then ran into more cleaning wipes trouble Wednesday, pitching for the first time in 24 days. "It wasn't alarming," Washington said. "Any pitcher in baseball could have stepped out there and have that happen. That's why we're a team. We're going to stay together. If there is an opportunity to give him the ball again, I'm going to give it to him. That's the way we do things." The Rangers did see the value of having a power right-handed reliever go after the Giants. Alexi Ogando pitched two scoreless handbag wholesale innings in Game 1, allowing one hit and striking out four while not walking anybody. "I saw some serious power," Washington said. "For two innings he dominated those guys. xxl