Title: Texas Rangers on the Verge of Historic World Series Victory
Subtitle: Semien and Seager lead the charge as the Rangers dominate Game 4 against the Diamondbacks
Date: December 1, 2021
In a stunning turn of events, the Texas Rangers are now just one win away from capturing their first World Series championship in franchise history. On the heels of an impressive 11-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 4, the Rangers’ $500 million middle infield duo, Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, showed exactly why they chose to join a team that had been struggling for years.
The Texas Rangers, who had not had a winning record in five seasons, were able to sway Semien and Seager with both their financial offer and their vision for the future. General manager Chris Young made it clear that the team’s goal was to accomplish something special that had never been done in Texas Rangers history.
The path to the World Series has not been an easy one for the Rangers. In 2022, they had a losing record and made significant changes by firing their manager and long-time head of baseball operations. However, Young remained, and Semien and Seager proved to be instrumental in steadying the team and driving the offense in Game 4.
Semien showcased his power with a two-run triple in the second inning and a three-run homer in the third. Seager also contributed with a two-run home run. The Rangers’ explosive offense overwhelmed the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, scoring 10 runs in just two innings.
Pitcher Andrew Heaney’s five innings of one-run baseball helped protect the Rangers’ bullpen for Game 5, where they will face Arizona’s Zac Gallen. With three chances to secure one more victory, the Rangers have an opportunity to make up for their previous World Series losses in 2011, where they came within one strike of winning.
The loss of Max Scherzer, who suffered back spasms, and budding star Adolis García, who strained an oblique muscle, were setbacks for the Rangers. However, their absence might only become crucial if the series goes to a seventh game. García’s stellar performances in the earlier games will be missed, as he was both an offensive threat and a defensive asset in right field.
On the Diamondbacks’ side, manager Torey Lovullo faced challenges due to the lack of a credible fourth starter, forcing him to rely heavily on his bullpen. This strategy worked against the Philadelphia Phillies in the previous round but proved ineffective against the Rangers’ disciplined lineup.
In Game 4, Texas capitalized on Arizona’s pitching woes, with reliever Kyle Nelson’s decision not to intentionally walk Corey Seager backfiring as Seager promptly hit a mammoth home run. The Rangers continued to pile on the runs, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the game.
Now, with the World Series within reach, the Texas Rangers are on the brink of achieving their vision. The team’s ambitious plan, which once seemed unlikely during the lockout period, may become a reality in just one more day.
As for former Rangers third baseman Adrián Beltré, who experienced the heartbreak of falling short in the World Series, seeing this group succeed would be a weight off his shoulders. Beltré expressed his excitement for the potential victory, acknowledging that this team has the opportunity to erase some of the pain from past failures.
The Texas Rangers will prepare for Game 5, aiming to secure the victory that has eluded them in the past. With their powerful middle infield leading the charge, the team possesses the talent and determination to capture their first World Series title and make history for the franchise.
(Photo: Rob Tringali / MLB Photos via Getty Images)