2023 World Series: Texas Rangers Snag 2-1 Series Lead over Arizona Diamondbacks with a 3-1 Triumph in Third Game

In his rookie season, Brandon Pfaadt took the mound for the Diamondbacks, lasting until the sixth inning. However, two critical pitches in the third inning led to three runs, sealing Arizona’s fate.

Despite the early exit of their ace Max Scherzer due to a back injury, the Texas Rangers clinched a 3-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on their home turf in Phoenix. This win puts the Rangers ahead 2-1 in the best-of-seven World Series matchup.

The third inning saw Corey Seager launching a two-run bomb, propelling Texas to a comfortable 3-0 lead. Scherzer was forced to exit shortly after, courtesy of a troublesome back. Nevertheless, the Rangers dug their heels in, setting a fresh postseason milestone with nine straight away wins.

Game four is slated for Tuesday evening and will, once again, be hosted by Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks, who previously had an offensive explosion with nine runs in the second game, failed to harness the energy of the home crowd as the series continued. Their fortunes appeared promising when Christian Walker kicked off the bottom of the second with a double. But his aggressive sprint toward home plate on a base hit by Tommy Pham was ill-advised, especially as the third-base coach was frantically waving him to hold at third. Walker was gunned down at home by a laser-like throw from right fielder Adolis Garcia.

Texas seized the momentum in the third inning when Nathaniel Lowe smacked a double and was driven home by Marcus Semien. Corey Seager then promptly unloaded a two-run homer into right field.

Concerns arose for the Rangers when Scherzer, who had been struck by a line drive earlier, left the game in the third inning with a tightened back. While they left several men on base in subsequent innings, the greater worry was the sight of their heavy-hitting Adolis Garcia clutching his side as he limped off the field in the top of the eighth.

Arizona finally broke their scoring drought in the bottom of the eighth inning when Geraldo Perdomo batted in pinch-hitter Emmanuel Rivera. However, their budding rally was extinguished by a disputed double play, followed by Rangers closer Jose Leclerc shutting the door in the ninth inning.

The pitching narrative for game four looks intriguing, as both teams are likely to go with a ‘bullpen game’ instead of a traditional starter. Jon Gray, initially slated to start game four for the Rangers, was pressed into a relief role following Scherzer’s early exit. Meanwhile, Arizona, having struggled to find a reliable fourth starter this postseason, was already considering a bullpen game for the upcoming contest.

World Series Game-by-Game Summary (home team listed first)

• Game 1: Texas 6, Arizona 5
• Game 2: Texas 1, Arizona 9
• Game 3: Arizona 1, Texas 3
• Game 4 (Arizona): Tue 31 Oct
• Game 5 (Arizona): Wed 1 Nov
• Game 6 (Texas): Fri 3 Nov (if needed)
• Game 7 (Texas): Sat 4 Nov (if needed)

Additional Notes:

• Max Scherzer, sidelined at the end of the regular season due to a strained shoulder muscle, exited after the third inning with back issues.
• Adolis Garcia, named the American League Championship Series MVP for his five-home-run performance, had to leave the third game with what looked like a side strain.
• Randy Johnson, the towering legend of the Diamondbacks and co-MVP from their 2001 World Series victory, tossed the ceremonial first pitch of game three. Known as ‘The Big Unit,’ Johnson, who is 6 feet 10 inches tall, was the tallest MLB player during his prime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2023 World Series

More about 2023 World Series

• Texas Rangers Official Site
• Arizona Diamondbacks Official Site
• 2023 World Series Schedule and Updates
• In-depth Look at Max Scherzer’s Season
• Corey Seager’s Career Highlights
• Diamondbacks Legend Randy Johnson
• MLB Postseason Records
• Explainer: What is a Bullpen Game?