2023 Championship Series Round Game Thread: October 16

Another day means more postseason baseball! Today brings two matchups: game 2 of the ALCS and game 1 of the NLDS. The Texas Rangers took the first contest from the Astros, besting ace Justin Verlander and setting the tone for what’s to come. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies look to punch their ticket to the World Series for the second consecutive year as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rangers vs. Astros Game 2 will be on FOX, while TBS will air the Diamondbacks vs. Phillies game.

GAME 2: (4) Texas Rangers vs. (1) Houston Astros, 4:37 PM ET

Pitching Matchup: Nathan Eovaldi (2-0, 1.32 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (0-1, 10.38 ERA)

After shutting out the reigning World Series champs last night, the Rangers look to take another in this Lone Star matchup. Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras provided all the offense necessary last night, hitting an RBI single and solo shot, respectively, to put the Rangers on the board. The Rangers, who have had a perfect postseason so far, look to advance to their first World Series since 2011.

On the other side of the diamond, the Astros were left speechless against Jordan Montgomery last night. He struck out six in 6 ⅓ innings pitched, striking out slugger Yordan Alvarez three times. The Astros will send Valdez, who struggled against the Twins, to the mound. He has a lifetime 2.90 ERA against the Rangers and looks to lower that tonight.

GAME 1: (4) Arizona Diamondbacks vs. (1) Philadelphia Phillies, 4:37 PM ET

Pitching Matchup: Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.08 ERA)

After shocking the world and sweeping the Dodgers in the Division Series, the Diamondbacks enter Philadelphia and face an uphill battle. In the seven games played against each other this year, the Phillies bested the D-Backs 4-3. Arizona has a lifetime .278 batting average against Wheeler, with Christian Walker having the most success against him. He’s gone 9-for-17 with three doubles, one home run and four strikeouts.

The Phillies, meanwhile, look to take advantage of Citizens Bank Park, where they went 49-32 at home in 2023. Trea Turner leads the pack in postseason hits with 12 and looks to extend that lead this series. He has a lifetime .335 batting average against Arizona with 84 hits, 13 home runs and 39 RBIs in 62 games. The Phillies are on the road to redemption this year after losing to the Astros in the World Series but must go through a young and energetic Diamondbacks team first.

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