Corey Seager’s heroics led the way for Texas last night as the Rangers took a commanding 2-1 lead in the World Series.
“We’re just coming ready to play every night, no matter where we are. That’s what the focus is,” Seager said.
His two-run homer in the third inning off Diamondbacks rookie Brandon Pfaadt was the hardest-hit World Series homer in the Statcast era.
The blast left Seager’s bat at 114.5 mph…
Never seen a first pitch he didn't like! #GoAndTakelt pic.twitter.com/SH5Z1p4ytM
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) October 31, 2023
Thank you God for not letting him stay with the Dodgers. Thank you !!
— C r e g g (@cregg22881) October 31, 2023
However, the game wasn’t without its challenges for the Rangers, as they grappled with injuries to key players.
Starting pitcher Max Scherzer left the game early due to back tightness, while slugger Adolis Garcia was forced to exit with tightness on his left side.
Despite the setbacks, the Rangers demonstrated their depth and resilience, with Jon Gray stepping in for Scherzer and delivering an outstanding performance.
“It’s tough. We’re a deep group. We’ll see what happens with both of those guys,” Texas second baseman Marcus Semien said.
“Adolis has been the heart and soul of our team. Hopefully, it’s nothing too bad. But we’re a deep group,” he added.
The Rangers defensive dominance was on full display, with Garcia’s second inning throw from right field which nailed Christian Walker at the plate and prevented what would have likely been a big inning for Arizona.
Seager’s crucial double play in the eighth inning, where he slid to field a hot smash from Ketel Marte before flipping to Semien, highlighted the red-hot momentum the Rangers are currently riding.
That was dumb. It killed a rally. Was out by a mile. Rangers turn around score three right after. Change the momentum of the game.
— 🎁🎅 Santa Mutant 2099🎁🎄 (@SuperMutant2099) October 31, 2023
Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Seager humbly remarked: “Just trying to make the play. I think Marcus did a better job than me with the turn and the transfer. Props to him, props to Chapman for making a good pitch, and we got out of the inning.”
As always, baseball fans were out in full-force reacting to the emotional rollercoaster on social media…
“For the love of everything holy, DO NOT let Chapman enter the game, unless we have a 10 run lead. That man cannot get a clean inning if his life depended on it!”
For the love of everything holy, DO NOT let Chapman enter the game, unless we have a 10 run lead. That man cannot get a clean inning if his life depended on it!
— Andy Delavan (@andyboe45) October 31, 2023
“i cannot believe this team is two wins from a title if we lose i will never recover.”
i cannot believe this team is two wins from a title if we lose i will never recover
— jadon 🤠 (@jadqn_) October 31, 2023
“Umpire gave them three runs because he dosnt know a strike zone glad to know this sh*ts rigged.”
Umpire gave them three runs because he dosnt know a strike zone glad to know this shits rigged
— Buddy (@Buddy3513) October 31, 2023
“There’s no place like Road. The green green grass of Road!”
There’s no place like Road. The green green grass of Road! pic.twitter.com/N5dKwkg81A
— Tom Smith (@stars_at_night) October 31, 2023
“We need to go undefeated on the road. 11-0. I’d love for them to come back and play in Arlington but I’d be fine if you want to just wrap it up in the desert.”
We need to go undefeated on the road. 11-0. I’d love for them to come back and play in Arlington but I’d be fine if you want to just wrap it up in the desert.
— purple patriot (@purplepatriot5) October 31, 2023
“Give Adolis my back I don’t need it.”
Give Adolis my back I don’t need it.
— FunkyTown817 (@Bulldogs0727) October 31, 2023
A crucial game 4 awaits us tonight.
Do you think the Rangers will win once again and take a 3-1 stranglehold lead on the series???