In a high-stakes Game 4 showdown, Andrew Heaney, a pitcher on his fourth team in three seasons, delivered a stellar performance to lead the Texas Rangers to an 11-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. With this commanding win, the Rangers now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, placing them on the brink of securing their first World Series championship.
Heaney, the left-handed pitcher, played a pivotal role in this significant victory, delivering five innings of one-run ball to earn the win. Expressing his enthusiasm, Heaney stated, “I just want us to win, and we did that. We’re in obviously a great position and need to finish it off.”
The Rangers provided robust support for Heaney by staging back-to-back five-run innings in the second and third, transforming the Halloween contest into a nightmare for the Diamondbacks and their fans.
Key contributions included Marcus Semien, who entered the game with a .197 postseason batting average. Semien delivered a two-run triple in the second inning and a three-run homer in the third. Additionally, Corey Seager made his presence felt with his third two-run homer of the World Series, marking his sixth postseason home run.
The Rangers maintained their dominance, achieving their 10th consecutive postseason road victory, setting a new record in major league playoff history. A potential road win in Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, would secure the championship.
In a bullpen game for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Rangers capitalized, consistently scoring against relievers Miguel Castro, Kyle Nelson, and Luis Frias. These relievers each allowed three runs without completing a full inning, contributing to the Rangers’ overwhelming lead.
Andrew Heaney’s impressive performance allowed the Texas bullpen to gain valuable rest, as the team absorbed the loss of key players due to injuries sustained in Game 3. The Rangers lost right fielder Adolis Garcia to a strained oblique muscle and starting pitcher Max Scherzer to back spasms, both of whom were removed from the World Series roster.
Despite these challenges, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to bounce back from setbacks, including injuries.
The Diamondbacks, who managed to score their first run in the fourth inning and add four runs in the eighth, didn’t go down quietly. Ketel Marte, a standout hitter in the postseason, extended his postseason hitting streak to 20 games, setting a major league record. However, the Diamondbacks now find themselves on the brink of defeat, as the Rangers stand one victory away from clinching the World Series.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the need for a focused and resilient approach in the upcoming games, emphasizing the importance of going “1-0 tomorrow” and giving their finest performance.
With Game 5 looming, both teams prepare for what promises to be a pivotal clash that could determine the fate of the World Series.
