There have been 229 times in World Series history that a team has taken a lead of more than one run into the 9th inning. That team has gone on to win the game 225 times. That lead has only been lost four times in history. The Rangers have one of those in that Game Six in 2011. The other three are from the Diamondbacks. The latest one was at 10:30 last night when Corey Seager blasted a two-run homer into the second deck facade off Arizona closer Paul Sewald, who hadn’t blown a save in more than two months, to send Game One to extra innings. From there — who else? — Adolis Garcia ended it with a home run slice to right field in the 11th to give the Rangers a 6-5 win and a one game to none lead.
To add to the historic nature of last night’s comeback victory, Texas went into the game with an 0-44 record this year when trailing by more than one run in the 9th inning. Corey Seager wouldn’t that happen in the World Series. El Bombi ended it and, in the process, broke the record for most RBIs in a single postseason with his 22nd run batted in. It broke the mark of 21 set in 2011 by David Freese who single-handedly brought the Cardinals back twice in that Game Six.
Several demons were exorcised at Globe Life Field last night.
As for what’s in store, it feels like last night’s back and forth affair could be a preview. Arizona’s small ball is challenging the Rangers’ outstanding defense and putting pressure on the Texas pitchers. But the D-Backs know now, if there was ever a doubt, that the Rangers are never out of any ballgame. Talk bout pressure on a pitcher! How do you throw to these Rangers? Sewald hit his spot to Seager — he has not given up a homer with a fastball to that part of the plate all season. And Corey just blasted it, igniting the Rangers faithful and the ballpark fireworks and this 2023 World Series.
Game Two is tonight with Monty on the hill for Texas. The last time the Rangers played a baseball game on my birthday, it was Game Seven in 2011. Let’s exorcise that little demon tonight, too.
Let’s Go Rangers!
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
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