Battle of the Bases: Decoding the D-backs vs. Rangers World Series Clash

D-backs vs. Rangers World Series Game 1 FAQ

Friday, 8 ET, FOX

October 25th, 2023

Anthony Castrovince @ castrovince

Jenifer Langosch @ LangoschMLB

Kennedi Landry @ kennlandry

Introduction

Two years after both teams suffered triple-digit losses, the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks are set to face each other in an unexpected World Series matchup. This clash between the American League champion Rangers and the National League champion D-backs promises to be an exciting and unpredictable showdown.

Unlikely Journey to the World Series

Neither the Rangers nor the D-backs were favorites to make it to the World Series. The Rangers lost 102 games in the 2021 season, while the D-backs dropped 110. At the start of this postseason, both teams entered as fifth and sixth seeds, respectively, facing a challenging path to reach the Fall Classic.

However, the D-backs defied expectations and overcame a 2-0 deficit in the NL Championship Series against the Phillies. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo expressed his team’s determination to prove the naysayers wrong. The Rangers, led by their experienced skipper Bruce Bochy, rallied back from a midseason slump to secure a spot in the World Series.

Surprising Wild Card Teams

The D-backs and the Rangers surprised many with their remarkable postseason performances. The D-backs struggled throughout a 50-game stretch from June to August, but they found their groove in October. Led by standout rookie Corbin Carroll and a strong rotation, the D-backs showcased their high-energy style and swept their way through the Brewers and Dodgers in the playoffs.

The Rangers, on the other hand, made strategic offseason acquisitions, including signing free agents Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Nathan Eovaldi. Their roster additions paid off as the Rangers defeated strong opponents like the Rays, Orioles, and eventually the defending champion Astros in the ALCS.

An Eighth Wild Card Winner

This World Series matchup is unprecedented, as both teams entered the postseason as wild card winners. Since 1997, this will be the eighth time that a wild card team has won the Commissioner’s Trophy. The unpredictability of these teams makes it challenging to make any concrete predictions about the outcome of the series.

Game 1 Details

Game Schedule and Broadcasting

Game 1 of the World Series will take place on Friday at 8 p.m. ET at Globe Life Field. The game will be broadcasted on FOX, with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET. MLB.TV offers live streaming for games in the U.S., with authentication from a participating Pay TV provider. Live coverage is available internationally, except in Canada. Full game archives will be available approximately 90 minutes after the game ends.

Starting Pitchers

The D-backs will have right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen on the mound for Game 1. Gallen had a strong regular season, winning 17 games with a 3.47 ERA. However, he struggled in the NLCS, allowing nine runs over two starts.

The Rangers have chosen right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi as their Game 1 starter. Eovaldi has been impressive in the postseason, recording a 4-0 record with a 2.42 ERA over 26 innings pitched.

Projected Starting Lineups

The D-backs‘ lineup will likely remain unchanged from their Game 7 victory against the Phillies in the NLCS. Key players to watch include Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Gabriel Moreno.

The Rangers have settled into a routine lineup against right-handed pitchers, with Evan Carter, Marcus Semien, and Adolis García leading the way. The availability of Mitch Garver, who was hit by a pitch in Game 7 of the ALCS, remains uncertain.

Bullpen Strategy

The D-backs‘ manager Torey Lovullo has a predictable bullpen strategy, utilizing left-handers Joe Mantiply and Andrew Saalfrank to neutralize left-handed hitters. Right-handers Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Paul Sewald will fill in as needed.

The Rangers‘ bullpen has been well-managed by Bruce Bochy throughout the postseason. The high-leverage trio of Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman, and José Leclerc has been reliable, but the Rangers have also utilized their starters for long relief when necessary.

Injuries to Watch

The D-backs‘ outfielder Jake McCarthy has been ruled out due to a strained right oblique. The Rangers‘ Mitch Garver left Game 7 of the ALCS after being hit by a pitch. His availability for Game 1 is uncertain. Reliever Jonathan Hernández has been left off every postseason roster due to a right lat strain.

Key Performers

Ketel Marte of the D-backs has been on fire, hitting safely in 16 consecutive postseason games. Corbin Carroll, a likely NL Rookie of the Year, had a strong Game 7 performance against the Phillies. Adolis García has been exceptional for the Rangers, earning the ALCS MVP award and having an RBI in six straight games.

Editorial

A Reminder of Baseball’s Unpredictability

The unexpected matchup between the D-backs and the Rangers serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. Despite their regular season struggles, these two teams found their stride at the right time and made an impressive run to the World Series.

Baseball is a sport filled with surprises, where underdogs can quickly become champions. It is the resilience and determination of teams like the D-backs and the Rangers that make the game so captivating. The World Series should be celebrated as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball.

Advice

Enjoy the Unexpected

As baseball fans, we should embrace and enjoy the unexpected. The D-backs and the Rangers have shown us that anything can happen in the playoffs. This World Series matchup is an opportunity to appreciate the resilience and determination of these two teams and to witness the culmination of their unlikely journeys.

So sit back, relax, and let yourself be captivated by the excitement of the Fall Classic. Enjoy the unpredictable moments, the clutch performances, and relish in the triumph of one of these deserving teams.