- The Rangers’ Mitch Garver led the way with a grand slam, making him the star of the game.
- Despite a promising start for the Orioles with two runs in the first inning, the Rangers responded strongly.
- Rangers manager Bruce Bochy is one step away from reaching his first American League Championship Series.
In another thrilling postseason matchup, the Texas Rangers cruised to an 11-8 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, giving them a 2-0 lead in the American League Divisional Series. With the win, the Rangers leave the Orioles on the brink of elimination.
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Garver, the star of the game
Mitch Garver, the hero of the day for Texas, hit a grand slam in the third inning, making his mark in the playoffs. Despite facing the league’s strongest teams in the regular season, the Rangers have posted an impressive 25-11 combined margin against the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays.
Bruce Bochy, the mastermind behind the Texas dugout, is one step away from reaching his first American Championship Series as a manager. He previously managed the San Francisco Giants to three World Series championships in the National League.
Garver expressed confidence in Bochy: “At times he seems relaxed, as if he’s just watching the game, but we have full confidence in his strategies and decisions.”
For the Orioles, Gunnar Henderson and Aaron Hicks were outstanding with back-to-back homers. Hicks was key in driving in five runs, but his effort was not enough to hold off the Rangers.
In an unfavorable start for Texas, the Orioles took a two-run lead in the first inning. However, the Rangers roared back, scoring five runs in the second inning and forcing out pitcher Grayson Rodriguez.
Bochy praised Garver, saying, “He’s had an incredible year for us. His ability to connect at crucial times was the difference today.”
Texas’ offensive performance was historic, becoming the first team to record seven hits and seven walks in three postseason innings, according to Sportradar.
For his part, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde highlighted the 11 bases on balls awarded as a reason for the loss: “It’s hard to win with that much on-base traffic.”
No rest for Texas
Heading into Game 3 in Texas, Nathan Eovaldi will get the start for the Rangers. Globe Life Field in Texas will be the host, remembering that in 2020 it hosted many postseason games due to the pandemic.
Finally, among the Latino standouts, Adolis Garcia and Leody Taveras shined for the Rangers, while Jorge Mateo and Anthony Santander did the same for the Orioles.
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