By Alex Worth
FOR the 119th time in the sport’s illustrious history, the Arizona Diamondbacks face the Texas Rangers in a World Series matchup that six weeks ago, nobody would have expected.
On the 8th of September, Arizona’s chance of making the postseason, let alone the World Series was 46.2% according to Fangraphs, Texas, a mere 38.6%.
Yet, here we are, both teams’ parallel tracks took turns for the better when it mattered most.
Both entered the postseason as a wildcard team and beat their opponent 2-0 in a three-game set to advance to the next stage.
Following the initial success, both teams beat 100-win juggernauts Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays in the division series to advance to the final stage before the World Series.
Both teams went three games down in the championship series, needing to win the final two to advance.
The Rangers took down the Houston Astros, upsetting a certain Mattress Mack who bets over $1m every season on the Astros to win it all.
The Diamondbacks defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, securing their ticket to the fall classic.
Rangers Rely On Rookie and Veteran Contribution
The Rangers’ deep and entertaining run was spear-headed by rookie Evan Carter.
The 21-year-old was called up to the major leagues on the 8th of September and immediately caught fire, posting a 1.059 OPS in 75 plate appearances.
The middle infield of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien proved to be a dynamic duo with solid offensive contributions all season.
Texas also benefitted from a breakout season from Cuban outfielder Adolis Garcia.
The 30-year-old slugged 39 home runs, 29 doubles, and 107 runs batted in (RBI’s)
Diamondbacks pitch to glory
Compared to the rest of the National League, the Diamondbacks have a weaker offense.
Leading the offense is rookie Corbin Carroll who slugged 25 home runs and stole 54 bases in his first full season at the major league level.
Arizona relies on its pitching for its success.
Ace Zac Gallen pitched to a 3.47 earned run average (ERA) in 210 innings during the regular season and is set to lead the rotation into the series.
Journeyman Merrill Kelly, who pitched in South Korea until 2019, has emerged as a reliable number two behind Gallen in the rotation.
Game one of the series, played in Arlington, will be broadcast on BBC Sport, beginning at 01:03 on Friday night.
