"World Series Game 1: Battle of Rangers vs. Diamondbacks Aces"

Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has the chance to make history by winning five starts in the playoffs.

Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has the opportunity to make history in Game 1 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. If Eovaldi secures a win, he will become the first pitcher to win five starts in the playoffs. While Randy Johnson, Francisco Rodriguez, and Stephen Strasburg have each recorded five wins in a single postseason, they achieved these victories in relief appearances.

In his most recent outing, Eovaldi allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings, helping the Rangers to a 9-2 victory over the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Throughout the postseason, Eovaldi has displayed impressive control, striking out 28 batters and only walking four in 26 innings.

Although this will be Eovaldi's first career start in a World Series game, he has previously made three relief appearances in the Fall Classic while playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2018. In Game 3 of that series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Eovaldi suffered a loss after giving up a walk-off home run to Max Muncy. Despite this setback, Eovaldi remains grateful for the experience and is ready to set the tone for his team in Game 1.

Eovaldi has had success against the Diamondbacks in the past, boasting a 3-0 record with a 2.78 ERA in eight career appearances against them. On the other side, the Diamondbacks will rely on right-hander Zac Gallen to start the World Series opener. Gallen has had a challenging time in the National League Championship Series, surrendering nine runs on 14 hits, including five home runs, in just 11 innings. However, Gallen is determined to execute better in this crucial game and contribute to his team's success.

The Diamondbacks enter the World Series with momentum, led by Ketel Marte, who carries a 16-game hitting streak in the postseason. If Marte gets a hit in Friday's game, he will join Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, and Hank Bauer as the only players to achieve a hit in 17 consecutive playoff games. Marte's performance, along with Christian Walker's three home runs, helped the Diamondbacks win three out of four games against the Rangers during the regular season.

Despite doubts surrounding their legitimacy as an 84-win team, the Diamondbacks overcame adversity in the NLCS and secured their second World Series appearance in franchise history. Manager Torey Lovullo acknowledges the criticism and uses it as motivation for his team. On the other hand, Texas manager Bruce Bochy did not focus on the underdog narrative, believing in the strength of his team and their ability to compete.

When Gallen faced the Rangers earlier this season, he struck out 11 batters and allowed only one run in six innings, leading the Diamondbacks to a 6-3 victory. However, he will need to be cautious when pitching to ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager, who have been key contributors for the Rangers throughout the postseason.

As the World Series begins, all eyes will be on Eovaldi and Gallen as they strive to make an impact and lead their teams to victory. The stage is set for an exciting and competitive series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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