Texas Rangers sweep Baltimore Orioles, advance to ALCS
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Adolis Garcia #53 of the Texas Rangers celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the second inning in Game Three of the Division Series at Globe Life Field on October 10, 2023 in
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers are headed to the American League Championship Series for the first time in more than a decade.
The Rangers jumped out to a big lead early and held on to beat the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night to complete the 3-0 sweep in the American League Division Series.
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More than 40,000 fans packed Globe Life Field to see the Rangers beat Baltimore. It was a record-breaking crowd.
Texas never trailed in the game. Corey Seager hit a towering home run in the first inning. Texas then exploded for five runs in the second inning.
That was more than enough run support for starter Nathan Eovaldi. He pitched seven strong innings, and allowed only one run.
Manager Bruce Botchy offered high praised for the fans at the game.
"It's the first post-season game here, and we're not sure what it's going to be like out there. It was electric. They could feel it. They fed off their energy, and it was pretty cool," he said.
"When everybody is clicking on all cylinders like we are right now, it's a scary offense. I wouldn't want to pitch to any of us right now, man. This is really fun," Rangers outfielder Evan Carter added.
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Texas will now play either the Minnesota Twins or Houston Astros for the American League pennant.
The Astros took a 2-1 lead in the series on Tuesday with a 9-1 beating of the Twins.
Game 4 will be in Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon.
If the Astros win, it would be the first time Texas and Houston ever faced off in a playoff series.
Game 1 of the ALCS will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15.
The time off between series could help the Rangers heal.
Starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Jon Gray are both dealing with injuries.
Gray was placed on the injured list during the final weekend of the regular with forearm tightness in his throwing arm.
Scherzer, the Rangers big acquisition at the trade deadline, has been out with a shoulder issue since Sept. 12.
Both pitchers could potentially be added to the Rangers roster for the ALCS.