It’s hard to fathom that the Texas Rangers won Game 3 of the 2023 World Series, not after losing starting pitcher Max Scherzer in the third inning to back spasms and Adolis Garcia to tightness on the left side of his body.
But nothing makes sense in the MLB postseason. Heroes rise when least expected, and hot bats continue to sizzle. Therefore, despite the odds against them, the Rangers found a way to win and gain a 2-1 series lead.
RANGERS TAKE GAME 3
— ESPN (@espn) October 31, 2023
They're the first team in MLB history to win straight road postseason games pic.twitter.com/yT77TlO5Wj
It’s the ninth consecutive road victory for the Bruce Bochy-managed club this postseason. They remain perfect away from Globe Life Field while setting a single-postseason record for most road wins and consecutive road wins.
It’s Corey Seager’s turn to be the main hero
The Rangers are benefitting from his steady hits throughout the World Series. He connected on the two-run homer that forced extra innings in Game 1. Garcia sent them home with a walk-off blast.
This time, Seager gave the Rangers more cushion with a two-run home run in the top of the third inning. It was his only hit in four at-bats, but it traveled 421 feet away from home plate. That’s Seager’s fifth home run during the 2023 playoffs.
Never seen a first pitch he didn't like! #GoAndTakelt pic.twitter.com/SH5Z1p4ytM
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) October 31, 2023
That hit followed an RBI single by Marcus Semien on Nathaniel Lowe. Those hits were enough for Texas to seal the victory in front of a capacity crowd at Chase Field, especially when the Rangers are undefeated when they score first this postseason.
Jon Gray was lights out in relief mode
Gray was a potential Game 4 starter for the Rangers. However, the team needed help in Game 3 when Scherzer could not continue pitching. While Gray pitched only three innings, it was enough to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks at bay.
Jon Gray joins the Postgame Show after his 3 inning shutout performance out of the bullpen tonight
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 31, 2023
: FOX pic.twitter.com/StovRyDZ0h
The veteran pitcher gave up one hit and struck out three batters from the mound. Meanwhile, Scherzer did reasonably well in his brief stint, giving up just two hits and retiring one batter. With Gray pitching in Game 3, the Rangers will turn the ball to Andrew Heaney in Game 4.
The championship odds favor the Rangers
It’s not that the Diamondbacks went down without a fight. They had six hits, including Ketel Marte’s hit that extended his streak to 19 postseason games. Arizona’s bullpen also neutralized the Rangers’ attack after Brandon Pfaadt gave up four hits and three runs (all earned).
But history is on Texas’ side after winning Game 3. The team that has won Game 3 of a best-of-seven postseason series closed out the competition 69 percent of the time. Those who have done it on the road in a 2-3-2 format won 74 percent of the series.
-Lance Fernandez