The Texas Rangers won the World Series in Phoenix on Nov. 1 in a five-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It is the franchise’s first title in history, with fans waiting 63 years for the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Game one was set in Arlington and had Nathan Eovaldi on the mound for the Rangers with Zac Gallen pitching for the Diamondbacks. The Rangers got off to a hot start in the first inning with a knock from Adolis García and Evan Carter to give them a 2-0 lead. This lead was short-lived, however, as the Diamondbacks bounced back in the third inning due to rookie phenom Corbin Carroll hitting an RBI triple and later scoring, giving the Diamondbacks the lead. The game settled down, with both teams adding onto their runs to make a 5-3 score going into the ninth inning with the Diamondbacks ahead.
With a two-run lead and red-hot closer Paul Seward coming in for Arizona to close the ninth, the game appeared to be lost for the Rangers. A swing and a loud crack later from Corey Seager tied the game with a two-run shot in a momentum-shifting moment. With momentum on their side, the Rangers avoided further damage to go to extra innings. Adolis García, now a postseason legend following his ALCS performance, hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, giving the Rangers a critical 6-5 win in game one.
Games two and three showcased dominant pitching as Merril Kelly of the Diamondbacks threw a gem, pitching seven innings and only allowing three hits. However, his performance was overshadowed by the Diamondbacks hitting, which scored nine runs and blew out the Rangers with help from Tommy Pham’s four-hit night. With the series tied at 1-1, the Diamondbacks returned two nights later, looking to build off their momentum. Hoping to continue their offensive dominance from the last game, the Diamondbacks missed their mark and couldn’t produce when it mattered. Veteran pitchers Jon Gray and Max Scherzer pitched an excellent game for the Rangers and helped hold off the Diamondbacks’ bats. Corey Seager’s two-run blast in the third was the definitive offensive power that kept the Rangers in the front seat. Despite the Diamondbacks being red-hot in their home stadium, they couldn’t power through, allowing for a final score of 3-1.
Game four of the series was a nightmare for Arizona. Despite the loss of slugger Adolis García, the Rangers hammered the Diamondbacks in the first three innings, scoring 10 runs and shattering the hearts of Diamondback fans around the globe. All-Stars Marcus Semien and Corey Seager tore through the Diamondbacks’ pitchers and hit a combined seven RBIs. Although the Diamondbacks hit rock bottom, they showed promise in the later half of the game, scoring six runs in the eighth and ninth innings. With the crowd roaring against them, the Rangers sent in their ace, José Leclerc, to shut the party down and obtain the win.
The finale of the series was a pitching duel from both sides. With Zac Gallen and Nathan Eovaldi back on the mound, a pitcher’s duel was sure to be expected. Gallen pitched a great game, throwing six innings with only one run scored. Eovaldi fired back with a notable performance of his own, also throwing six innings yet only allowing four hits. His ability to get out of tough jams unharmed, particularly the one in the sixth inning, led to great success. The oppressive pitching of both sides continued, with closers Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and Kevin Ginkle all throwing scoreless innings. This all changed in the top of the ninth when Paul Sewald came in. Two singles and a critical error by Alek Thomas opened the door for the Rangers to score two more runs, followed by a dagger of a home run by Marcus Semien that blew the game open. The Diamondbacks’ lack of offense proved to once again destroy them, as they finished the game with zero runs scored.
