In Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, the Texas Rangers defeated the Houston Astros 11-4 to capture the American League pennant.
For the third time in the team’s existence and for the first time since 2011, the Rangers make it to the World Series.
With three runs in the top of the first inning, the Rangers completely overwhelmed the Astros from the outset. With four more runs in the fourth inning, the Rangers opened up the score to 8-2.
ALCS MVP was an obvious choice for Texas right fielder Adolis GarcÃa, who was hit by a pitch in Game 5 and caused a benches-clearing fracas. On Monday, GarcÃa scored five RBIs and went 4 for 5 at the plate, including two home runs. In the final four games of the series, GarcÃa hit five home runs, scoring in every game to help lead the Rangers to the American League title.
The Astros have had difficulty all season long, and the Rangers have won all four of their series victories away from home at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
After losing the last two World Series games they played in, the Rangers will be going for their first-ever World Series victory.
In 2010 and 2011, the Rangers advanced to the World Series twice, but were defeated by the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks winner of the National League Championship Series will play the Texas Rangers. Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies and Diamondbacks will play a winner-take-all Game 7.
In Arlington, Texas, the World Series is slated to kick off on Friday.
