The stage is set for an exciting and unexpected World Series matchup this year between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. For the third time in MLB history, we have an all-wild card World Series and a potential first all-indoor Classic as both teams play in stadiums with retractable roofs.
The series kicks off tonight at Globe Life Field in Texas, where the Rangers will have home field advantage after winning 90 games this season. This is vaguely new territory for the Rangers franchise, who have made the World Series previously in 2010 and 2011, but have never been able to get over that final hump to secure a World Series title.
On the flip side, the Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the Fall Classic for the first time since their dramatic 2001 World Series win over the Yankees. This year they snuck in as a surprise 6th seed with just 84 wins. But their scrappy play and underdog mentality has them believing they can shock the baseball world once again.
Heading into the series, the Rangers have already lost ace pitcher Jacob deGrom to injury earlier this season but made some key moves at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation, adding Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery. They’ll be led by righty Nathan Eovaldi in the opener tonight against Arizona’s Zac Gallen.
Additionally, the Rangers lineup is anchored by Adolis Garcia, who set a postseason record with his 8 RBIs in the ALCS and hit clutch home runs in the final 4 games. The Diamondbacks will counter with some emerging young stars of their own, including NLCS MVP Ketel Marte and Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll.
So get ready for what should be an exciting and unexpected World Series between two Wild Card teams. First pitch is at 8:03 PM Eastern tonight on Fox Will the Rangers capture that elusive first title, or will the underdog Diamondbacks play spoiler? Buckle up your seatbelts, it's going to be a fun ride!
Thank you for listening to this C2 story and let us know who you think will win the World Series!
Sources
Long Shot World Series: Diamondbacks vs Rangers is a Fall Classic few saw coming | AP News
World Series 2023: How to watch and what to look for in Diamondbacks vs Rangers | AP News
