Do you remember when, at the start of the series, we found that it lacked suspense? Let’s say that the last few weeks have changed the narrative of these 2023 series.
After series wild card and division with six out of eight sweeps and no final match, the championship series was pushed to the limit.
And the World Series started (very) strong yesterday.
Let’s say it: even if we knew that the Arizona Diamondbacks risked losing game #1 with Zac Gallen (who doesn’t have it on the road these days) on the mound, the defeat hurts .
Seeing Corey Seager and Adolis “unstoppable” Garcia beat the Diamondbacks like that hurts. After all, normally Paul Sewald is in the car.
And historically, losing such a #1 match hurts and the club that is defeated may have a hard time recovering from it for the rest of things.
Because even though Arizona was predicted to lose yesterday, losing like that is as bad as eating Halloween candy and going to bed without brushing your teeth.
The club will therefore have to stand up. After all, even though we know that odd-numbered games are often considered the pivotal games of a series, it is not recommended to lose game #2 either.
If Arizona wins tonight, they will steal home-field advantage from the Rangers. But in case of defeat, it would be 2-0 for the mighty Rangers.
But at least there is some good news from the Diamondbacks.
For example? Merrill Kelly will pitch tonight. He is his team’s best starting pitcher in the playoffs and seeing him on the mound is ideal right now.
You will tell me that seeing him face Jordan Montgomery is not exactly good news for the DBacks hitters, but hey.
Otherwise, Arizona can base its hope on the fact that Brandon Pfaadt, as rookie as he is, has the means to beat Max Scherzer in Game #3 of the series, scheduled for Monday.
We can also say that Jose Leclerc, who pitched two innings yesterday, might not be available in relief this evening. In fact, it will be… but will it be 100%?
That said, the Rangers can also hope. For what?
Because Jordan Montgomery will be pitching tonight. Because the club leads 1-0. Because the guys will still be home. Because Josh Sborz didn’t throw yesterday.
Add to that the fact that Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel threw a lot yesterday and we have the perfect recipe that ensures that the Rangers can also hope to win tonight.
And above all, because the Texans attack remembered yesterday that it was capable of winning a series on its own. And that can derail the young Diamondbacks.
