PHOENIX — The final pitch of the 2023 season ended the World Series with a 5-0 victory for the Texas Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bruce Bochy, the Rangers’ manager, was immediately surrounded by his coaches with hugs and congratulations. It was a moment he had dreamed about during his time away from the game, and now he had returned to the dugout to celebrate as champions.
The win marked the first time in franchise history that the Rangers had won the World Series. Bochy, who managed his fourth team to a title, was joined by familiar faces on his winning team. Corey Seager, who collected his second World Series MVP trophy, Nathan Eovaldi, who provided great pitching support, and Texas general manager Chris Young, who already had a World Series ring as a player, all played crucial roles in the Rangers’ success.
Bochy’s success in October was well-known, as he had previously led the San Francisco Giants to three titles in the 2010s. His expertise in bullpen management was evident as the Rangers put together a four-run rally in the ninth inning of the final game. Despite his age, Bochy’s skill had not faded, despite undergoing surgeries during his retirement years.
Bochy’s return to managing came about thanks to Young, who saw him as the ideal candidate to lead a team with young players and high-priced free agents. The Rangers faced ups and downs throughout the season, but showed resilience and determination to come out on top.
The Rangers’ road to victory was not without obstacles. Jacob deGrom, a key offseason addition, underwent Tommy John surgery early on. The Houston Astros made a strong push in the playoffs and the Rangers had to overcome injuries to important players like Adolis García and Max Scherzer. However, the team never gave up and continued to perform at a high level.
In the final game, Eovaldi pitched through trouble, while Arizona’s Zac Gallen started strong but eventually faltered. The Diamondbacks’ lack of pitching depth became apparent throughout the series, as the Rangers overwhelmed them with their offense. Bochy’s leadership and bullpen management were critical in securing the victory.
Gallen, Arizona’s last hope, showed great command of his fastball at the beginning of the game, but the Rangers eventually found a way to score runs. Eovaldi faced challenges with runners on base but managed to keep the Diamondbacks from scoring. Both pitchers showed resilience and determination.
Overall, the Rangers’ championship win was a testament to their never-give-up attitude and their ability to overcome adversity. Bochy’s return to managing proved to be a successful decision, and he once again proved his expertise in leading a team to victory in October.