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In perhaps one of the more improbable World Series matchups in several years, the Arizona Diamondbacks travel to Texas to take on the Rangers in game one of the best-of-seven series on Friday night. The Diamondbacks went from 74 wins in 2022 to 84 wins and a wildcard berth this season while the Rangers went from 74 wins in 2022 to 90 wins and a wildcard berth in the American League. Both teams faced 3-2 deficits in the championship series and won two straight games on the road to reach the World Series. The pitching matchup on Friday will feature Diamondbacks' righty Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47) taking on Rangers' righty Nathan Eovaldi (12-5, 3.63). The opening pitch is scheduled for 8:03 PM EST.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to defy the critics and now find themselves in the World Series with a chance to win the second world title in franchise history. Arizona led the NL West Division throughout the first half before falling off after the All-Star Break and appearing to be heading out of playoff contention. Instead, the D-Backs rallied back and snuck into the playoffs as the third and final wildcard team. The Diamondbacks made quick work of the Brewers in the wildcard round and then took three straight games from the heavily favored Dodgers in the Divisional round. After getting throttled by a combined score of 15-3 in the first two games of the NLCS against the Phillies, the baseball world was prepping for another Phillies NLCS title. The D-backs rallied back for two straight wins at home before dropping game five. Few if anyone could predict that they would win both games six and seven against a Phillies team that had previou sly been unbeaten at home in the playoffs. Instead, Arizona outscored the Phillies 9-3 and shut down their potent lineup to reach the World Series for the first time since 2001. With NLCS MVP Ketel Marte, near certain NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll, and a bullpen that has a 2.94 ERA in the postseason, who is doubting this team now?
“I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again: A connected team is a very dangerous team,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “No matter what happened in those times of crisis, these guys stuck together.”
Arizona will turn to ace righty Zac Gallen in game one of the World Series. After winning 17 games during the regular season, Gallen has gone 2-2 in four starts this postseason. Many of Gallen's regular season numbers have dipped under the bright lights of the postseason. He has only had one quality start out of the four thus far a fter leading the team with 20 quality starts in the regular season. He has allowed 24 hits in 22.1 innings pitched with an ERA of 5.24. In the regular season, Gallen's ERA was nearly two runs lower at 3.47. The most alarming number may be Gallen's drop in strikeouts this postseason. He had a K/9 rate of 9.4 during the regular season and that number has dropped to just 5.2 in the postseason. Arizona will need the Gallen of the regular season to return in the World Series if they hope to tax their bullpen less.
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Free Daily NFL Lock Pick, Thursday October 26th: Buffalo vs Tampa Bay 8:15pmET CLICK TO SEE PICK NOW