Call it a wardrobe malfunction.
When Robinson Cano lined closer Sam Dyson's slider down the right-field line Sunday afternoon with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, it had the makings of a stand-up double. Shortstop Ketel Marte scored easily from third base. The Rangers' lead was trimmed to 6-4.
Slugger Nelson Cruz, on-deck, was set for a chance to represent the tying run.
But according to Cano, as he rounded first base, his shin guard came loose. He hesitated at least once, maybe twice, and Rangers right fielder Nomar Mazara fielded the carom off Safeco Field's wall cleanly and threw a missile to nail Cano at second base for the final out of the game.