The Texas Rangers came into Game 5 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a chance to do something that they have never done in franchise history, winning a World Series championship.
Game 5 of the series on Wednesday night was a close game that could have gone either way. But a number of clutch hits by the Rangers, and one costly error from the Diamondbacks, ultimately sealed the victory for Texas.
A four-run ninth inning for the Rangers ended up being the difference in the game, capped off by a two-run home run from Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien.
MARCUS SEMIEN CRUSHES A 2-RUN HOMER TO MAKE IT 5-0 RANGERS IN THE 9TH! ⚾️💣pic.twitter.com/cpVFdPxTzd
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 2, 2023
The Rangers took a five-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. And Rangers fans got their long-awaited moment of a World Series victory after Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz struck out Ketel Marte for the final out of the game.
THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY! ⚾️🏆👏pic.twitter.com/lOJoPcyomE
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 2, 2023
Not only is it a historic moment for the Rangers franchise, but it is also historic for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy.
This win marks the fourth World Series title for Bochy, making him only the sixth manager to win at least four championships. He also becomes the only manager ever to win a World Series for and against the same franchise, beating the Rangers in 2010 as manager of the San Francisco Giants.
Bruce Bochy is the 6th manager to win at least 4 World Series titles, only Joe McCarthy (7), Casey Stengel (7), and Connie Mack (5) have more.
Bochy is also the first manager to win a World Series for and against the same franchise (beat the Rangers in 2010 as manager of the… pic.twitter.com/ek6bcUXvSR
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 2, 2023
Rangers fans voiced their excitement on social media following their long-awaited World Series victory on Wednesday night.
THE DROUGHT IS OVER. THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE WORLD CHAMPS pic.twitter.com/kiAlMuf86B
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 2, 2023
TEXAS RANGERS ARE THE 2023 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 🏆
FIRST EVER TITLE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/QnphpLII5v
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 2, 2023
Wow. So well deserved!!!
World Series Champs!!!!!! @Rangers— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) November 2, 2023
OFF THEY GO‼️
There are now just five teams that have never won a World Series after the Rangers removed themselves from the list. pic.twitter.com/Htedwu9Spf
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 2, 2023
FINAL: Rangers 5, Diamondbacks 0
The Texas Rangers have won the World Series.
They spent in free agency. They developed well. They hired the best manager around. They went 11-0 on the road in October. And after 63 years of existence, the Rangers are champs for the first time.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 2, 2023
Nearly any baseball fan would not believe the Rangers as the 2023 World Series champions if you told them this a year ago. They finished the 2022 season with a 68-94 record, and their miraculous turnaround is now complete.
