“Grit” defines the first two games of the 2023 World Series. The Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks have won a game each before the series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3. With the series tied at 1-1, there will be at least a Game 5.
However, it feels like it will surpass that because both teams have shown their cards. Every adjustment made by Bruce Bochy and Torey Lovullo will be crucial in outsmarting their opponents. But before moving forward, it would be ideal to review how the first two games unfolded.
Adolis Garcia plays hero in Game 1
The Rangers outfielder is making a case for being the new Mr. October after connecting on a walk-off homerun, clinching a 6-5 victory for his squad. He has homered in five consecutive games and has eight throughout the 2023 postseason.
Garcia also connected on his 22nd RBI, breaking David Freese’s playoff record. He is also the second MLB player to have three hits, including a walk-off home run, in a World Series game. At least after Game 1, it shaped up as same story, different chapter for the man who broke the Houston Astros’ aspirations for another World Series stint.
ADOLIS GARCIA WALKS OFF GAME 1 FOR THE RANGERS‼️ pic.twitter.com/5btsj1VT4w
— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2023
But Garcia won’t be able to seal that win without Corey Seager’s game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth. Garcia’s moment came in the 11th inning when he sent a Miguel Castro sinker 373 feet away from home plate.
It’s the first World Series Game 1 walk-off homer since Kirk Gibson’s hit off Dennis Eckersley in the 1988 edition. It’s also the first World Series walk-off homer ever since Max Muncy’s hit in Game 3 of the 2018 version.
COREY SEAGER TIES IT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH‼️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 28, 2023
(via @Rangers) pic.twitter.com/4M3xJ0kBhC
The Rangers also made history as the first team to win Game 1 of the World Series despite trailing by multiple runs in the ninth inning. It also bodes well for their championship hopes because teams that won Game 1 won 64 percent of the best-of-seven World Series.
Diamondbacks Dominate Rangers In Game 2
However, as proven in the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Arizona Diamondbacks don’t fade into the night without any fight. They won Game 2 via a 9-1 masterclass to even the series.
While the Snakes have been led by their young players for most of the postseason, the veterans paced Arizona’s attack in Game 2. Tommy Pham earned a hit in all four at-bats, while Evan Longoria had a sacrifice bunt.
Tommy Pham had a chance to become the first player in #WorldSeries history to have a 5-for-5 game.
— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2023
But instead he chose to put his teammate first. pic.twitter.com/8RIONls7yk
Gabriel Moreno connected on his fourth home run this postseason. Meanwhile, Ketel Marte extended his playoff hit streak to 18 games, breaking the MLB record once shared by Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, and Hank Bauer.
Merrill Kelly also shut down the Rangers’ bats by giving up only one run on three hits in seven innings. He did not give up a walk while striking out nine batters. Kelly has allowed three hits in each of his four postseason starts.
Merrill Kelly has 9 K's through 7 IP tonight against the Rangers.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 29, 2023
He joins Curt Schilling (Gms. 4 & 7 of 2001 World Series) & Randy Johnson (Gm. 2 of 2001 World Series) as the only Diamondbacks pitchers with at least 9 K's in a World Series game. pic.twitter.com/9RoVRuVVE0
From a position wherein they will likely miss the postseason, the Diamondbacks continue to do the improbable. If everything goes well, they can close out the series and win the franchise’s second Commissioner’s Trophy at home.
-Lance Fernandez