García’s 11th Inning Homer, Seager’s 9th Inning Equalizer Propel Rangers to a 6-5 Triumph Over Diamondbacks in World Series Opener

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In an electrifying performance that continued his postseason heroics, Adolis García launched a home run in the bottom of the 11th inning, securing a 6-5 win for the Texas Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opening game of an unexpected World Series featuring wild-card teams. This came two innings after Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run homer in the 9th inning.

García’s drive sailed past the right-field wall, leading him to jubilantly raise his right arm as he began his victory lap around the bases, culminating in a celebratory gathering at home plate. Rangers rookie Josh Jung encapsulated the moment, stating, “Every time he steps into the batter’s box, it’s a must-watch event. His performance is simply extraordinary.”

Miguel Castro was tasked with pitching against García with one out remaining. Known as El Bombi, García hit a 3-1 sinker to the second row of seats, just beyond the reach of a leaping Corbin Carroll. This was García’s second run batted in for the game, setting a new postseason record with a total of 22 RBIs.

García, the American League Championship Series MVP, has now hit home runs in five consecutive games, tying for the second-longest streak in postseason history. Additionally, this was the first walk-off home run in a World Series since Max Muncy’s 18th inning shot for the Los Angeles Dodgers against Boston in 2018. Nathan Eovaldi, who started for the Rangers, had also played in that game.

Texas made history by becoming the first team to secure a World Series win after trailing by multiple runs in the 9th inning since the 2015 Kansas City Royals achieved the same feat against the New York Mets.

The second game in the series will take place on Saturday night in Texas. Merrill Kelly is slated to pitch for Arizona, opposing Jordan Montgomery for the Rangers.

Seager’s game-tying home run mirrored his solo homer in Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy highlighted Seager’s inspiring performance, stating, “He definitely elevated his game. He’s a catalyst for us.”

The game also featured excellent relief pitching from the Rangers, with José Leclerc and five other Texas relievers combining for 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Conversely, Paul Sewald’s blown save was a notable misstep for an otherwise impeccable Arizona bullpen this postseason.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the challenging game but expressed confidence in his team’s resilience. Arizona had been leading 4-3 after Tommy Pham’s tiebreaking home run in the fourth inning, followed by Ketel Marte’s record-tying RBI double.

Eovaldi struck out eight batters, a new World Series record for a Texas pitcher, but allowed five runs in just under five innings.

Both the Diamondbacks and the Rangers have made it to the World Series after overcoming significant obstacles, including having to win the sixth and seventh games of their respective League Championship Series on the road—a feat never before accomplished in both LCS matchups since the series were expanded to a best-of-seven format in 1985.

García’s walk-off homer occurred exactly 12 years after David Freese’s 11th inning game-ending shot for the St. Louis Cardinals against Texas in the 2011 World Series. García’s 22 postseason RBIs broke the record of 21 set by Freese.

Merrill Kelly, a 35-year-old right-hander with a postseason ERA of 2.65, will be on the mound for Arizona in the next game. For the Rangers, 30-year-old left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who secured a win in Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston, will be pitching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Series opener

More about World Series opener

• Game Summary and Highlights
• Corey Seager’s Season Statistics
• Adolis García’s Career Milestones
• World Series History and Records
• Texas Rangers’ Road to the World Series
• Arizona Diamondbacks’ Postseason Journey
• José Leclerc’s Pitching Stats
• Nathan Eovaldi’s 2022 Postseason Performance
• Merrill Kelly’s Season Overview
• Jordan Montgomery’s Career in Postseason
• Torey Lovullo’s Managerial Record
• Wild-Card Teams in World Series History