World Series Preview

By: Jacob Cullen

After what has been a spectacular series of games to round out the 2023 MLB postseason, the marquee World Series matchup has been set as the Texas Rangers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks. With equally impressive routes to get here, let’s look at how each team has gotten the honor to be in the World Series.

The Diamondbacks came into the postseason Wild Card game as a 6^th seed after barely making the postseason. After beating the Milwaukee Brewers in 2 games, the LA Dodgers seemed to be heavy favorites against Arizona. LA won the NL West besting the Diamondbacks by 16 games. However, Arizona came ready to compete and eventually swept the mighty Dodgers. Awaiting the winner of the ATL/PHI series, many feared Arizona would cool off. The stage was then set; Philadelphia would be Arizona’s next foe. With the Phillies having come off a Wild Card Sweep 2-0 and winning the NLDS 3 games to 1 against Atlanta, Philadelphia came in as heavy favorites. However, after last night’s impressive game 7 victory in Citizens Bank, the Diamondbacks proved that they are ready to compete for a title for the first time in 22 years. 

Alternatively, the Texas Rangers entered the postseason as a 5^th seed competing in the Wild Card against Tampa Bay. After a 2-0 sweep, the Rangers faced the juggernaut Baltimore Orioles. Seen as a World Series Favorite by many, the Rangers obliterated them in just 3 games: almost mirroring Arizona’s performance against LA. This created the dramatic “Texas Showdown” series us sports fans have been enjoying so much. The Rangers were able to take game 7 in Houston, clobbering the Astros 11-4. This marks the Rangers’ first appearance in the World Series since 2011.

Jacob Previews The World Series

It is hard to not look at Texas as the early favorites in this matchup. If the bats of Texas can come alive, mainly Seager/Garcia, the Ranger’s pitching gives them a solid chance. Starters Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery have provided excellent innings in the postseason and look to silent the bats of a hot Arizona team.

The fact that Arizona is so hot as of late gives them a decent chance at flipping the script. OF Corbin Carroll has been electric, especially in last night’s game 7 notching 3 hits and 2 RBIs. C Gabriel Moreno continues to hit the ball well, recording 7 hits in his last 5 games. 2B Ketel Marte, 1B Christian Walker, and SS Geraldo Perdomo all have provided Arizona with stolen bases this postseason. The Arizona bullpen has also been dominant thanks to pitching from closer Paul Sewald and relief pitcher Kevin Ginkel.

All the pomp and circumstance of the World Series begins now as game one is slated for Friday at 8:03.