The Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks took long, bumpy roads back to the World Series. Both teams rallied on the road in their League Championship Series, winning Games 6 and 7 away from home to punch their tickets to the Fall Classic — the first time that happened in both leagues since the LCS went to a best-of-seven format in 1985. “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.
Before they take the field for Friday's Game 1, here's everything you need to know about how these teams are winning in October and why they might take home a title.
Tell the truth: How many people picked Arizona and Texas to meet in the World Series? "Once you get into the big dance, anything can happen,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said before Tuesday night’s 4-2 win at Philadelphia advanced Arizona to its first World Series since 2001. All the glamour teams are watching at home: the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves stumbled in the Division Series, defending champion Houston was ousted by Texas, and the New York Yankees didn’t even make it to the postseason.
A capsule look at the best-of-seven World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers: Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. Fox); Game 2, Saturday, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. Fox); Game 3, Monday, Oct. 30, at Phoenix, 8:03 p.m.
Astros starter Cristian Javier gave up three runs to the Texas Rangers in the first inning while getting just one out before being replaced Monday night in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Javier entered 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in the playoffs this year and 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA in four career postseason starts for Houston. Corey Seager launched a fastball 440 feet into the second deck in right field for a home run.