The Rangers secured a victory in ALDS Game 3, resulting in their first sweep of the Orioles since May 2022.
The Texas Rangers have secured a spot in the American League Championship Series after completing a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Division Series in dominant fashion. They took an early six-run lead after just two innings, ultimately winning Game 3 with a score of 7-1. The Rangers now await the outcome of the Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins ALDS, with Houston currently leading that series 2-1.
Game 3 marked the first-ever Rangers’ home postseason game at Globe Life Field. Although the four-year-old stadium hosted the NLDS, NLCS, and World Series during the pandemic season in 2023, the Rangers didn’t make it to the playoffs that year. This Tuesday was the first opportunity for Rangers fans to support their team in their new stadium during the postseason in October, and the crowd’s energy was palpable. The victory in Game 3 also marked Texas’ first home postseason win since Game 5 of the 2011 World Series, breaking a streak of four consecutive home postseason losses in October.
Here are three key takeaways from the Rangers’ Game 3 triumph over the Orioles and a glimpse ahead to the ALCS.
While there may not be an official ALDS MVP award, if one were to exist, Corey Seager would undoubtedly be the frontrunner. Seager made a significant impact in Game 3, kickstarting the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, providing the Texas Rangers with a 1-0 lead. In the second inning, he was intentionally walked, a move that set the stage for their impressive five-run rally. Mitch Garver followed with a two-run double, and Adolis García capped it off with a three-run home run. Seager’s contributions played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ success in the ALDS.
Corey Seager’s home run in Game 3 marked his eighth postseason home run in just 19 career playoff games at Globe Life Field. He had previously played three rounds at the stadium with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2020 pandemic season. In Game 3, Seager went 1 for 2 with the home run and two walks, and over the course of the three ALDS games, he went 2 for 6 with an astonishing nine walks. His performance has certainly justified his hefty 10-year, $325 million contract.
Mitch Garver’s performance in Games 2 and 3 of the ALDS was particularly noteworthy. He found himself at bat with the bases loaded on both occasions, hitting a grand slam in Game 2 and a two-run double in Game 3. It’s worth noting that Garver wasn’t even in the starting lineup for the two Wild Card Series games or Game 1 of the ALDS, with Robbie Grossman handling designated hitter duties in those matchups. Given Garver’s recent success, it’s highly likely that he will be featured in the lineup for Game 1 of the ALCS. Rangers secured a victory
Regarding Baltimore’s starting pitchers in the ALDS, which included Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer, they collectively allowed a total of 13 runs in just eight innings across the three games. The rotation had been a concern during the previous offseason and also leading up to the trade deadline. However, General Manager Mike Elias did not make substantial upgrades, which may explain the rotation’s struggles in the postseason.