So much for the sweep; Rangers stop Giants 4-2 in Game 3

Moreland is congratulated in the Rangers dugout after his home run.

Mitch Moreland launched a three-run home run off Jonathan Sanchez in the second inning and the Texas Rangers held on to beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2 in Game 3 of the 2010 World Series.

The Giants still lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1, but the Rangers put to rest any premature reports of their demise.

Moreland has earned starts against left-handed pitchers despite being a left-handed hitter himself and the Rangers having a right-handed option available.

Nelson Cruz started the inning with a laser off the center field wall for a double and went to third on an Ian Kinsler grounder. Jeff Francoeur, though, swung at the first pitch from Sanchez and rolled out to third baseman Juan Uribe, keeping Cruz at third.

After a walk to Bengie Molina, Moreland battled Sanchez for nine pitches, fouling off four 2-2 pitches before hitting his first career postseason homer — and his first career home run off a left handed pitcher.

Sanchez lasted just 4.2 innings, giving up six hits and three walks and all four runs.

His counterpart Colby Lewis, on the other hand, was very effective. He struck out six in 7.2 innings and earned the victory.

The Rangers added a run in the 5th inning when Josh Hamilton crushed one 426 feet to give Texas a 4-0 lead.

The Giants answered back by scoring two runs on solo blasts from Cody Ross (7th inning) and Andres Torres (8th inning) but it wasn’t enough.

Rookie closer Neftali Feliz pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two Giants to earn the save.

The Giants will send Madison Bumgarner to the hill tomorrow against Tommy Hunter.  Preview tomorrow.