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For the first time in MLB history, two different Texas teams have won the World Series in back-to-back seasons.
In 2022, the Houston Astros claimed the crown by downing the Phillies 4-1 in game six of the World Series, taking a 4-2 advantage.
The Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks, 5-0 in game five of the 2023 World Series, to bring home its first title on Wednesday night at Chase Field.
It’s also the first World Series title for the Rangers.
Both Texas teams battled in the AL West Division. The Rangers led the division most of the season but struggled towards the later part of the season, enabling Seattle and Houston to turn the division into a three-way battle. Eventually, Texas eliminated Seattle but finished the regular season tied with Houston at 90-72. However, Ranger fans could not be happier after the Astros owned the tiebreaker, 12-8, during head-to-head competition to earn the AL West division title. But Texas avenged its losses and cashed in on the best Major League Baseball offers.
Still, the second season matters most. The Rangers caught fire traveling to Tampa Bay and Baltimore. It finished off the Rays in the Wild Card, winning the series 2-0. Then swept AL East leader and top seed Baltimore in the Division Series 3-0, who carried a 101-61 record into the postseason. The Orioles and its fans enjoyed its best season in recent years, yet the Ranger’s potent attack watched it broom its way to the ALCS.