Garcia’s Hits Just Keep on Coming as Rangers Win World Series Opener

Adolis Garcia Gets Plunked, Then Hits Walk-Off Homer in World Series Opener

In a stunning turn of events, Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning, only to return in the 11th inning and hit a walk-off home run. This remarkable display of resilience led the Rangers to a come-from-behind 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

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Interestingly, Garcia seems to have a knack for turning adversity into triumph. During the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, he was hit multiple times and responded with multiple home runs, propelling the Rangers to victory. Reflecting on his role in the team, Garcia stated, “It’s my job to focus and do some damage in my next at-bat” after being hit by a pitch.

Going into the ninth inning of Game 1, the Diamondbacks held a comfortable 5-3 lead with their trusted closer Paul Sewald on the mound. Sewald had been performing exceptionally well in the playoffs. However, this time, things took an unexpected turn. Sewald walked Leody Taveres, and then Cory Seager stepped up and hit a game-tying home run, causing the sell-out crowd of 42,427 to erupt with joy.

After hitting Garcia two batters later, Sewald was replaced by Miguel Castro in the 11^th inning. And once again, Garcia made his mark. He smashed his eighth postseason home run, extending his streak of hitting a home run in the last five games. With 22 RBIs, Garcia has already set a playoff record.

Seager, acknowledging Garcia’s exceptional performance, said, “Special players step up in moments like this, and he’s done it all postseason for us. He’s extremely fun to watch, and (it’s) extremely fun to be a part of.”

The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel regret over letting the game slip away. Manager Torey Lovullo recognized the magnitude of the World Series, stating, “The best players are here on this stage, and the best players do big-time things.”

This unfortunate outcome for the Diamondbacks has echoes of their past experiences. In the 2001 World Series, they also let a lead slip away in the ninth inning of Game 4, ultimately losing in extra innings. However, Lovullo dismissed any solace in that history, emphasizing that the current team has no connection to those events.

Garcia’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After a lackluster performance with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, he was acquired by the Rangers. Similar to the Boston Red Sox’s acquisition of David Ortiz, the Rangers took a chance on Garcia, and it’s paying off, especially in this postseason. Garcia’s standout moments include hitting a three-run homer and a grand slam in previous games, earning him the title of ALCS MVP.

With three World Series titles under his belt as the manager of the San Francisco Giants, Texas manager Bruce Bochy ranks Friday’s game among his best. On the other hand, this was Lovullo’s first World Series game as a big-league manager, and the loss served as a harsh awakening.

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