Diamondbacks struggle to score as Rangers take series lead

Oct 30, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) walks to the mound during a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers in game three of the 2023 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

After an explosive nine-run display in Game 2, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves struggling to generate any offensive momentum in a 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers.

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The Rangers now hold a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

Taking the mound for Texas was the seasoned Max Scherzer, making his 30th postseason start.

For the most part, Scherzer had no problem working his way through the Diamondbacks lineup.

The only time he ran into trouble was in the 2nd inning, when Christian Walker started the inning with a leadoff double.

However, on a Tommy Pham line drive into right field, Walker ran past the stop sign while rounding third and was thrown out at home.

So, instead of runners on 1st and 3rd with nobody out, the Diamondbacks just had a runner on 2nd with one out.

Tommy Pham would ultimately be stranded at the end of the inning.

Seizing the momentum shift, the Rangers capitalized with a pair of hits, followed by a Corey Seager two-run homer, extending their lead to 3-0.

All of these runs came with two outs. 

While Max Scherzer departed the game early, having just pitched three innings due to back tightness, the Rangers bullpen continued to limit any offensive production from the Diamondbacks.

More specifically, Jon Gray, who was supposed to start Game 4, threw three shutout innings in which he struck out three batters.

It wasn’t until the 8th inning when the Diamondbacks finally broke onto the scoreboard. Emmanual Rivera led off the inning with a double, and Geraldo Perdomo added a blooper single to left field, narrowing the gap to 3-1.

However, the Diamondbacks’ rally was short-lived as Corbin Carroll followed with a strikeout and Ketel Marte grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Despite out-hitting the Rangers 6-5, the Diamondbacks’ struggles with runners in scoring position, going 2-7, proved to be detrimental.

With this win, the Texas Rangers extended their perfect road record to 9-0 this postseason, tying an MLB record.

The first pitch for Game 5 is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:03 PM Arizona time.