Rangers complete sweep of Orioles, reach first ALCS since 2011

Corey Seager Continues to Shine in Texas Postseason

In a stunning turn of events, Corey Seager is making waves in the postseason once again, this time as a key player for the Texas Rangers. Seager, along with Adolis García, hit home runs early in the game, while Nathan Eovaldi delivered an impressive pitching performance. The Rangers sealed their victory with a 7-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the AL Division Series.

Seager expressed his admiration for the team’s pitching staff, highlighting their contribution to the Rangers’ success. This victory marks the fifth consecutive postseason win for the Rangers, who have surpassed expectations after entering the playoffs as a wild-card team.

Manager Bruce Bochy, a veteran World Series champion, praised the toughness and resilience of his ballclub. Despite facing tough opponents in the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles, the Rangers prevailed and secured their spot in the American League Championship Series.

The Orioles, who had the best regular season record in the league with 101 wins, failed to maintain their momentum in the postseason and suffered a devastating sweep. This loss marks the second time in MLB history that a team has gone undefeated in the regular season and then been swept in the playoffs.

Baltimore’s manager, Brandon Hyde, expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the regular season despite their playoff struggles. Unfortunately, they were unable to perform at their best in the last three games.

This game held special significance for the Rangers as it was their first playoff game at Globe Life Field, the stadium that recently opened in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Seager, who was the MVP in both the NLCS and World Series during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his presence felt with a remarkable home run in the first inning.

The sellout crowd of 40,861 fans erupted with excitement as Seager’s 445-foot drive cleared the right-field seats. Marcus Semien, who recently joined the team, commended Seager for his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

However, Seager was not the only star of the game. Adolis García’s awe-inspiring three-run homer in the second inning added to the Rangers’ lead and solidified their dominant position. Nathaniel Lowe also made an impact with a solo home run in the sixth inning. His at-bat, which included nine two-strike foul balls, showcased the determination and resilience of the Rangers’ lineup.

With Eovaldi’s stellar pitching, the Rangers maintained control of the game. Eovaldi recorded seven smooth innings, allowing only one run and striking out seven batters. He received a well-deserved standing ovation as he left the mound after the seventh inning.

The Rangers’ victory was further secured by reliever Jose Leclerc, who effectively closed out the game in the final innings. Despite some tense moments, Leclerc displayed composure and ended the game with a strikeout.

The Orioles’ pitcher Dean Kremer had a challenging outing, lasting only 1⅔ innings. Kremer, who had been a reliable starter throughout the regular season, struggled to find his rhythm in this crucial game.

Looking ahead, the Rangers eagerly await their opponent for ALCS Game 1. Whether it’s the Houston Astros or the Minnesota Twins, the Rangers are ready to continue their playoff journey.

ESPN Stats & Information and The Associated Press contributed to this report.