Texas Rangers Dismantle Houston Astros in ALCS Game 7 to Advance to World Series
For the first time in over a decade – and the third time ever – the Texas Rangers are headed to the World Series.
Game 7 of the ALCS was hardly ever in doubt, as the Rangers ran away with an 11-4 road victory over the Houston Astros on Monday. A three-run first inning set the tone for the night, and Texas never looked back.
The Rangers made sure to have fun with it, too, enjoying every last moment of their fourth win in front of the hostile crowd at Minute Maid Park.
When right fielder Adolis García crushed his second home run of the night in the eighth, he rose his hand to his ear as he rounded third base. The boos that had been deafening at times in the series had been muted, even as García egged them on.
García finished the night 4-for-5 with five RBI. On the series, he hit .357 with five home runs, a record-breaking 15 RBI and a 1.293 OPS, which was more than good enough for ALCS MVP.
Shortstop Corey Seager had a home run of his own in the first inning, while first baseman Nathaniel Lowe had one in the sixth. Rookie left fielder Evan Carter had two RBI, and designated hitter Mitch Garver had one.
Max Scherzer got chased off the mound early, giving up two earned runs in 2.2 innings, but not as quickly as Cristian Javier. The Astros righty, who entered Monday with a near-perfect resume as a playoff starter, retired just one batter before he got the hook.
Jordan Montgomery and the rest of Texas' bullpen gave up two runs across 6.1 innings of work, compared to the eight allowed by Houston relievers. While José Leclerc had to fight his way through a messy ninth inning, he was still able to close things out and put a bow on the Rangers' decisive win.
Since Texas played its inaugural season in 1972, they have won the American League pennant just three times – 2010, 2011 and now 2023. The franchise has never won a World Series.
Two years after losing 102 games, and a year removed from losing 94, Texas has a shot to change that.
The Rangers will face either the Philadelphia Phillies or Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series. Game 7 of the NLCS is set for Tuesday night.
The World Series will get underway Friday. The Rangers will have homefield advantage over either the Phillies or Diamondbacks.
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