Rangers’ Eovaldi set for 1st career World Series start, Gallen gets Game 1 for Diamondbacks

ARLINGTON, Texas — Nathan Eovaldi, a native of Texas who joined the Texas Rangers last offseason, has been chosen to start Game 1 of the highly anticipated World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Eovaldi has been a force to be reckoned with this postseason, boasting a perfect 4-0 record and a stellar 2.42 ERA in four starts, including crucial victories in the AL Wild Card Series and AL Division Series. Furthermore, he delivered an exceptional performance in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series, aiding the team’s triumph.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy expressed confidence in Eovaldi’s readiness for this significant start, stating, “Nate’s had plenty of rest, he’s ready to go.”

On the other side, the Diamondbacks will send out their All-Star right-hander, Zac Gallen, who holds a 2-2 record with a 5.24 ERA in his first postseason. Gallen has already showcased his skills in the NLDS and NLCS openers, after an impressive regular season where he secured 17 victories.

While the Rangers haven’t announced their Game 2 starter, it’s worth noting that Eovaldi and left-hander Jordan Montgomery have been vital assets to the team’s postseason success. Montgomery presently holds a spotless 3-0 record alongside a remarkable 2.16 ERA, including a crucial Game 7 victory in Houston where he relieved for 2 1/3 innings on Monday night.

Eovaldi, aged 33, boasts an impressive postseason track record with an 8-3 record and a 2.87 ERA in 15 career games, primarily as a starter. In 2018, he had his first taste of the World Series as a member of the Boston Red Sox, where he made relief appearances in the first three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Notably, he played a significant role in Game 3, pitching the final six innings of the 18-inning marathon that ultimately ended with a game-winning home run by Max Muncy of the Dodgers.