Diamondbacks Surge Forward
Diamondbacks Defeat Rangers 9-1 to Move Closer to Wild-Card Spot
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Key Points
1
The Diamondbacks and Rangers were meeting as 2023 World Series opponents, though both entered this series focused simply on securing a playoff berth.
2
Arizona entered the series 33-22 since July 9, tied with Milwaukee for the National League’s best record during that span.
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Texas arrived in Phoenix after blowing a three-run lead in a 4-3 loss to Seattle; Jacob deGrom had thrown six scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts in the defeat, while former Diamondback Joc Pederson hit his 26th homer.
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Before Friday’s offensive outburst, Arizona had been averaging just 2.5 runs over its previous 10 games, well below its season average of 4.4 runs per game.
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Friday’s game was part of Arizona’s nine-game homestand, while Texas was beginning the final leg of its penultimate road trip of the season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks routed the Texas Rangers 9-1 on Friday in Phoenix, capping a two-month surge that puts them squarely in playoff contention. Reuters reported that Arizona improved to 79-69 and now trails San Diego by just half a game for the National League's final wild-card spot. Texas fell to 72-76, dropping three games behind both Houston in the AL West and Cleveland for the American League's last wild-card berth.
Corbin Carroll returned from lower-back discomfort and homered after an MRI showed no structural damage, fueling Arizona's offensive explosion. The teams reconvene Saturday when Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt faces Texas's Kumar Rocker. Texas may activate veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, sidelined since August 7, though his game-time readiness remains uncertain.
Diamondbacks' Dominant Surge Since July
Arizona has played at an elite level over the past two months. Since July 9, the Diamondbacks have posted a 33-22 record, tied with Milwaukee for the National League's best mark during that span, according to Athlon Sports. This hot streak stands in stark contrast to the team's overall 79-69 record, showing how much ground they've gained in recent weeks.
Friday's offensive outburst broke a drought that had plagued the team. Over their previous 10 games, Arizona averaged just 2.5 runs—well below their season average of 4.4 runs per game. The 9-1 victory marked a dramatic turnaround and gave the Diamondbacks critical momentum as they battle for a playoff spot.
Rangers Stumble Despite Strong Pitching
Texas arrived in Phoenix fresh off a painful loss to Seattle. Jacob deGrom threw six scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts but received no run support in the Rangers' 4-3 defeat. Former Diamondback Joc Pederson hit his 26th homer to seal the loss, leaving Texas in a difficult position entering this three-game series.
The Rangers now face a steep climb back into contention. Trailing both division and wild-card rivals by three games, Texas must win consistently down the stretch. Activating Nathan Eovaldi as a reliever or opener rather than a starting pitcher reflects the team's need to deploy maximum firepower from the bullpen immediately.
World Series Rematch With High Stakes
These teams met in the 2023 World Series when Texas won its first championship. Now, both franchises return to meaningful September baseball after missing the postseason in the two seasons that followed. The rematch underscores baseball's volatility: recent champions and contenders can quickly fall out of the race.
Arizona enters the series with a clearer path forward. The Diamondbacks trail San Diego by half a game, a much tighter race than Texas faces. While both teams need wins to reach October, Arizona's hot streak and current position suggest they hold the stronger hand heading into Saturday's matchup.
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