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.
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.
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.
Rangers fans voiced their excitement on social media following their long-awaited World Series victory on Wednesday night.
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.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.