Seager shines in World Series Game 3, leading Rangers to a 3-1 victory over D-backs

Corey Seager's two-run homer and stellar defensive play helped the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in Game 3 of the World Series.

The Texas Rangers took a 2-1 lead in the World Series after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in Game 3. Corey Seager, who is in the second year of a $325 million contract, proved his worth once again with a two-run homer and a slick defensive play in the eighth inning. Max Scherzer started the game but left with back tightness, and four relievers combined to keep the Diamondbacks' offense quiet. Despite injuries to Scherzer and Adolis García, the Rangers improved to 9-0 on the road this postseason. Game 4 is set to take place at Chase Field on Tuesday.

In the third inning, Seager hit a two-run homer into the right-field seats, giving the Rangers an early advantage. The ball left Seager's bat at 114.5 mph, making it the hardest-hit Fall Classic homer in the Statcast era. García also made a stellar defensive play in the second inning, cutting down Christian Walker at the plate with a strong throw from right field. However, García left the game in the eighth inning after appearing to injure his left side on a swing.

The Diamondbacks rallied in the eighth with pinch-hitter Emmanuel Rivera leading off with a double against Aroldis Chapman. Geraldo Perdomo followed with an RBI single, narrowing the gap to 3-1. But Chapman worked out of the jam, striking out Corbin Carroll before Seager started a crucial double play to end the inning. Seager slid on his knees to field a hot smash from Ketel Marte before flipping to Marcus Semien at second, who threw to first.

The Rangers scored their three runs in the third inning. Semien's two-out single made it 1-0, and then Seager smashed his no-doubt homer into the right-field seats. It was Semien's first RBI in 10 games. The 25-year-old Brandon Pfaadt, who had performed well in the postseason, gave up three runs on four hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings for the Diamondbacks.

Both teams showcased their defensive prowess throughout the game. García's throw to cut down Walker at home and Josh Jung's strong throw from third base to beat Alek Thomas were just a couple of the highlights. The Rangers have been flawless defensively in the series, with no errors committed in the first three games.

This was the first World Series game played at Chase Field since 2001 when the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in Game 7. The Diamondbacks had been undefeated in World Series games at Chase Field until their loss in Game 3. In World Series history, the team that wins Game 3 after a 1-1 tie has gone on to win the series 41 out of 62 times.

The Diamondbacks have yet to announce their pitching plans for Game 4, but manager Torey Lovullo hinted that a reliever would start the game. The Rangers are also uncertain about their pitching plans, with manager Bruce Bochy mentioning that Jon Gray is an option.

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