In a postseason performance for the ages, Adolis Garcia notched a staggering 22 runs batted in, setting a new high-water mark for individual excellence in a single playoff season.
Adolis Garcia played the hero in an electrifying 11th inning, launching a walk-off home run that clinched a 6-5 win for the Texas Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks. This victory came in the inaugural matchup of the best-of-seven World Series series.
Falling behind 5-3 in the final stretch of the ninth inning, the Rangers were revitalized by Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run blast, forcing the showdown into extra innings.
It was reliever Miguel Castro who served up Garcia’s decisive long ball over the right-field boundary.
The action is set to heat up again this Saturday night, with Texas hosting once more.
Victory at Globe Life Field maintains an intriguing pattern; the Rangers—crowned champions of the American League—have emerged triumphant in every one of the eight postseason bouts where they’ve been the first to put runs on the board.
If you happen to be in the UK and missed the drama, you can catch a replay of game one exclusively on BBC iPlayer.
Earlier in the showdown, Evan Carter set the tempo with a first-inning RBI double, allowing Seager to cross the plate. Garcia, ever the playmaker, later drove Carter home.
The Diamondbacks counterpunched in the third inning, courtesy of Corbin Carroll’s two-run three-bagger, and he himself crossed the home plate to give Arizona a 3-2 edge.
In a game of seesaw momentum, the Rangers surged back at the bottom of the third. Another clutch double from Carter pressured Diamondbacks’ starter Zac Gallen into loading the bases and eventually walking in a run.
The D-backs weren’t going down quietly, though. Tommy Pham rocketed a home run to reclaim Arizona’s one-run lead. Not to be outdone, Ketel Marte elongated his postseason hit streak to an impressive 17 games by bringing in Geraldo Perdomo.
But the scoreline froze at 5-3 until Seager’s ninth-inning theatrics rekindled Texas’ hopes.
The Rangers then teased victory, positioning a potential winning run on second base on two occasions before Garcia, the American League Championship Series MVP, sent the home crowd into euphoria.
While regular-season extra innings now feature a “ghost runner” on second base due to a recent rule alteration, that doesn’t carry over into the playoffs. It didn’t matter in the end, as Rangers’ closer Jose Leclerc pitched two hitless innings to seal the thrilling win.
To add a nostalgic touch to the spectacle, former Rangers owner and ex-U.S. President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch, reprising a role he first took on in New York in 2001, just weeks after the tragic events of 9/11. On hand to assist him was Hall of Fame catcher Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez.
Upcoming World Series Schedule (Local Time Listed)
- Game 1: Texas 6-5 Arizona
- Game 2 (Texas): Sat 28 Oct, 8pm ET
- Game 3 (Arizona): Mon 30 Oct, 8pm ET
- Game 4 (Arizona): Tue 31 Oct, 8pm ET
- Game 5* (Arizona): Wed 1 Nov, 8pm ET
- Game 6* (Texas): Fri 3 Nov, 8pm ET
- Game 7* (Texas): Sat 4 Nov, 8pm ET
*if required
The Rangers had their backs against the wall in the bottom of the ninth, but Corey Seager’s dinger saved the day, extending the game into extra innings.
Ketel Marte’s bat was on fire, extending his postseason hitting streak to 17 games for the Diamondbacks, but their offense went dormant after the fifth.
The game had an extra layer of poignancy as George W. Bush, former Rangers owner and U.S. President, threw the ceremonial first pitch, assisted by baseball legend Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez. The gesture harked back to his role in New York in the aftermath of 9/11 in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Series 2023 Game 1 Recap
Who hit the walk-off home run in the 11th inning for the Texas Rangers?
Adolis Garcia was the player who hit the walk-off home run in the 11th inning, securing a 6-5 victory for the Texas Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Which team was trailing in the ninth inning?
The Texas Rangers were trailing 5-3 in the ninth inning before Corey Seager hit a game-tying two-run home run, taking the game into extra innings.
What record did Adolis Garcia set during the 2023 playoffs?
Adolis Garcia set a new record for the most runs batted in during a single postseason with a total of 22.
Where will the second game of the World Series take place?
The second game of the World Series will also take place in Texas, scheduled for Saturday evening.
How many postseason games have the Rangers won when they scored first?
The Rangers have won all eight postseason games in which they’ve been the first to score.
What is the “ghost runner” rule?
The “ghost runner” rule places a runner on second base at the start of each extra inning during regular-season games. However, this rule does not apply during the playoffs.
Who threw the ceremonial first pitch?
Former U.S. President and ex-Rangers owner George W. Bush threw the ceremonial first pitch, assisted by Hall of Fame catcher Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez.
What was the highlight moment for the Arizona Diamondbacks?
Corbin Carroll had a two-run triple in the third inning, swinging the game back in Arizona’s favor for a brief period. Ketel Marte also extended his postseason hitting streak to 17 games.
When do the future games in the World Series start?
All future games in the series are scheduled to start at 8pm Eastern Time. The dates for the games are Sat 28 Oct for Game 2, Mon 30 Oct for Game 3, and so on.
What service can UK users use to rewatch the game?
UK users can rewatch game one of the World Series on BBC iPlayer.
More about World Series 2023 Game 1 Recap
- World Series 2023 Official Site
- Adolis Garcia’s Season Stats
- Corey Seager’s Career Highlights
- Ghost Runner Rule Explained
- BBC iPlayer Sports
- George W. Bush First Pitch Post 9/11
- Texas Rangers Postseason History
- Arizona Diamondbacks Season Recap
- Ketel Marte’s Hitting Streak
- World Series 2023 Game Times
10 comments
didnt see that comin. Arizona looked so strong till the 9th. Seager and Garcia just changed the whole story.
That Carter guy also deserves some love. Set up the board pretty well in the early innings.
As a D-backs fan, this hurts. But gotta give props to Texas. They played well. We’ll come back stronger next game.
George W. Bush throwing the first pitch. Now that’s nostalgic. Reminds me of the post 9/11 game.
Game starts at 8pm ET? Guess I’m pulling an all-nighter again. Yawn.
Missed the game but caught it on BBC iPlayer. Bless the Brits for that, lol.
Who else thinks the ‘ghost runner’ rule should apply in playoffs? Just me? alright then
Corey Seager’s 9th inning homer was clutch! Dude deserves a medal or somethin’. And can we talk about Adolis Garcia? That guy’s a monster this season.
Man, what a game! Garcia’s walk-off was epic, I almost spilled my nachos. Texas Rangers are on fire this season, no doubt.
Adolis Garcia setting records and making history. 22 RBIs in a single postseason? That’s insane!