The Texas Rangers are making headlines with their incredible road performance in the World Series, creating history and securing a 2-1 series lead with a 3-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 3.
In this thrilling matchup, the Rangers showcased their road dominance, becoming the first team in MLB history to win nine road games in a single postseason, achieving this remarkable feat in consecutive fashion. However, this victory came with its share of concerns as Max Scherzer left the game after three innings due to back tightness, and star slugger Adolis Garcia exited in the eighth inning with left side tightness.
Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this pivotal game:
Texas Rangers 3, Arizona Diamondbacks 1 Texas: One of the significant questions surrounding the Rangers this postseason was how they would bridge the gap to their high-leverage relievers. Jon Gray has been instrumental in addressing this concern. He transitioned from a starter to a temporary reliever and played a crucial role in Game 1, recording five critical outs out of the bullpen. In Game 3, Gray’s role expanded as he entered in emergency relief after Scherzer’s back injury and held the Diamondbacks at bay for three innings. This strategic move paved the way for Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman, and Jose Leclerc to finish the game. Depending on the severity of Scherzer’s injury, it might be Jon Gray who steps up to start a potential Game 7, a scenario the Rangers are prepared for.
Arizona: The Diamondbacks faced difficulties stringing together successful offensive plays, particularly after Scherzer’s departure. Even when Gray was unexpectedly called into the game, their at-bats did not improve, which was unusual given their performance during most of the postseason. While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact reason for their struggles, the Diamondbacks will have an opportunity to regroup and bounce back in Game 4. The Rangers’ use of key relievers in Game 3 levels the playing field as both teams now face a bullpen game.
The biggest question looming over the Rangers is whether Adolis Garcia, the American League Championship Series MVP and Game 1 hero, will return in the World Series. Garcia left Game 3 after the eighth inning, grasping his left side following a swing. The team later announced that he was removed due to left side tightness. Garcia has been a standout performer in the postseason, and losing him from the lineup would be a significant setback for the Rangers. While Travis Jankowski, his replacement in right field, has had a remarkable year with the bat and is versatile in the outfield, Garcia remains a crucial part of the team’s foundation.
A notable statistic from this game is Corey Seager’s outstanding slugging percentage during the postseason on first pitches, standing at 1.000. This impressive number increased to 1.600 in the World Series after Seager launched a two-run home run on a first-pitch fastball from Brandon Pfaadt in the third inning of Game 3. Seager has proven to be a first-pitch power hitter, with three of his five playoff homers coming on first pitches, including two against the Diamondbacks. This underlines the need for the Rangers to consistently get men on base for Seager, while the Diamondbacks must handle him with care.
The Texas Rangers’ remarkable road performance and history-making win have added an exciting chapter to the World Series. As the series unfolds, baseball fans eagerly anticipate how these memorable moments will shape the outcome and create lasting memories in the world of MLB.
Image Source: Google
