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MLB playoffs 2023: Phillies host Diamondbacks in NLCS Game 7 for World Series berth vs Rangers

By Ap 5 min read
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The Philadelphia Phillies pose for photographs after the team's win over the Miami Marlins in Game 2 of an NL wild-card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies swept the series, and move on to face the Atlanta Braves.

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Gregory Soto celebrates the team's win over the Miami Marlins in Game 2 of an NL wild-card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies swept the series, and move on to face the Atlanta Braves.

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Texas Rangers players celebrate after beating the Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 during Game 2 in an AL wild-card baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla.

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Texas Rangers players celebrate after beating the Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 during Game 2 in an AL wild-card baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla.

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Minnesota Twins players and staff celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of an AL wild-card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) celebrates after striking out Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho for the final out of Game 2 of an AL wild-card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks pose for a picture after Game 2 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Milwaukee. The Diamondbacks won 5-2 to win the series.

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Toronto Blue Jays players watch from the dugout during the eighth inning of Game 2 of an AL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Minnesota Twins Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll scores on a hit by Ketel Marte during the sixth inning of a Game 2 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Milwaukee.

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Arizona Diamondbacks player celebrate after Game 2 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Milwaukee. The Diamondbacks won 5-2 to win the series.

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Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Phoenix.

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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, center, reacts as he exits during the first inning in Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Texas Rangers Josh Jung (6) and Texas Rangers Nathaniel Lowe (30) celebrating on the field at the end of Game 1 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Baltimore, Md. Texas won 3-2.

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Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) reacts to a double play against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Atlanta.

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Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning in Game 1 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Houston.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno, right, watches his three-run home run as Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on during the first inning in Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after exiting during the first inning in Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, reacts as he exits during the first inning in Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Minnesota Twins' Carlos Correa celebrates after a RBI-double against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez celebrates the last out during the fifth inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

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Texas Rangers' Mitch Garver reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam during the third inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Baltimore.

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Baltimore Orioles fans look on during the eighth inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Baltimore.

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Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches during the fourth inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

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Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) walks off the field during the eighth inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Atlanta.

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Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley (27) celebrates hitting a two run homer in the eighth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta.

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman during the fifth inning in Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) catches a fly ball off the bat of Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos (8) in the nineth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves won 5-4.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr. watches his solo home run during the sixth inning in Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts to getting the final out by forcing out Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) on a fly ball in the nineth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves won 5-4.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr. celebrates with teammates in the dugout after his solo home run during the sixth inning in Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley (27) hits a two-run homer against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta.

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter in Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II, right, celebrates with Austin Riley (27) after Riley hit a two-run homer in the dugout in the eighth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta.

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Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy watches batting practice before Game 3 of the baseball team's AL Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez watches his solo home run in the ninth inning during Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi celebrates with teammates after winning an American League Division Series baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

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The Texas Rangers celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of a baseball AL Division Series on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano (78) walks in the dugout after the Texas Rangers defeated the Orioles in Game 3 of a baseball AL Division Series on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) fish bumps first baseman Jose Abreu (79) after Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Sonny Gray wipes his face in the dugout after being relieved in the fifth inning of Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Houston Astros, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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The Texas Rangers celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of a baseball AL Division Series on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano stands in the dugout after the Texas Rangers defeated the Orioles in Game 3 of a baseball AL Division Series on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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The Houston Astros celebrate in the locker room after the team defeated the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 to win a baseball AL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Members of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate in the pool after the Diamondbacks defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in Game 3 to win a baseball NL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper hits a home run during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Philadelphia.

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The Houston Astros team pose on the grass at Target Field after defeating the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 to win a baseball AL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Los Angeles Dodgers' J.D. Martinez reacts after striking out during the seventh inning in a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix.

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Minnesota Twins' Max Kepler reacts after striking out to end the ninth inning of Game 4 of a baseball AL Division Series against the Houston Astros, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos reacts after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of Game 3 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Philadelphia.

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Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. is interviewed after the team defeated the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 to win a baseball AL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Minneapolis.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Philadelphia.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Geraldo Perdomo, center, celebrates with teammates after the Diamondbacks defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in Game 3 to win a baseball NL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix.

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The Philadelphia Phillies pose for a picture after Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 3-1 to win the series.

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The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 3-1 to win the series.

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The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 3-1 to win the series.

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FILE - Texas Rangers' Marcus Semien (2) and Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado, right, talk after Semien hit a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game July 26, 2023, in Houston. Everything is certainly bigger deep in the heart of Texas this baseball postseason, with a Lone Star State matchup for a spot in the World Series. The Astros are in their seventh straight ALCS, this time against the Rangers for the first time.

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FILE - Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado and Texas Rangers' Adolis Garcia, second from right, argue as the benches clear following Garcia's grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game July 26, 2023, in Houston. Everything is certainly bigger deep in the heart of Texas this baseball postseason, with a Lone Star State matchup for a spot in the World Series. The Astros are in their seventh straight ALCS, this time against the Rangers for the first time.

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi celebrates with teammates after winning an American League Division Series baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen falls into the pool after the Diamondbacks defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in Game 3 to win a baseball NL Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix.

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reacts during the seventh inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix.

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Houston Astros' Jose Abreu (79) and Mauricio Dubon celebrate after Game 4 of the baseball American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Astros won 10-3.

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Jose Abreu (79) hits a three-run home run off Texas Rangers pitcher Cody Bradford (61) during the fourth inning in Game 4 of the baseball American League Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first for the out after fielding a ground ball by Texas Rangers' Josh Jung during the seventh inning in Game 4 of the baseball American League Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith celebrates after scoring the game winning run past Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto on a single by Ketel Marte during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Jose Abreu runs up the first base line after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning in Game 4 of the baseball American League Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte (4) celebrates his walk off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt is greeted by fans after leaving the game against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado celebrates the last out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with Yainer Diaz (21) and Grae Kessinger (16) after all three scored on Altuve's home run during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Matt Strahm and catcher J.T. Realmuto celebrate their win against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) hits a three-run home run off Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc (25) during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Houston Astros' Jose Altuve hits a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run as first base coach Omar Lopez (22) celebrates and Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (30) watches during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Texas Rangers' Adolis Garcia, right, yells at Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Texas Rangers players watch from the dugout during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Astros won 5-4.

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Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly reacts after the final out during the ninth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Astros won 5-4.

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Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel leaves the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023..

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Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald celebrates their win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo celebrates their win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas rounds the bases after a two-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas rounds the bases after a two-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

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The Texas Rangers celebrate after Game 6 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 9-2 to tie the series 3-3.

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball American League Championship Series Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning in Game 2 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper scores past Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno after colliding during the first inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper scores past Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno after colliding during the first inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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A Houston Astros fan reacts after Game 6 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 9-2 to tie the series 3-3.

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A Houston Astros fan reacts after Game 6 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 9-2 to tie the series 3-3.

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Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto celebrates his two run home run with Bryce Harper against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola tips his hat after being relieved during the sixth inning of Game 3 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Philadelphia.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas celebrates a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Phoenix, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

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The Texas Rangers celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 11-4 to win the series 4-3.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr. celebrates after a home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola during the second inning in Game 6 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

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Houston Astros' Chas McCormick reacts after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of Game 6 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston.

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The Texas Rangers celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 11-4 to win the series 4-3.

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The Texas Rangers pose for a team photo after Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 11-4 to win the series 4-3.

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Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc reacts after Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. The Rangers won 11-4 to win the series 4-3.

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Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo celebrate their win against the Philadelphia Phillies afterGame 6 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh leaves after their loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 6 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber reacts after striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning in Game 6 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies play Game 7 of the NL Championship Series on Tuesday night for a World Series berth against the Texas Rangers.

Texas routed the Houston Astros 11-4 in Game 7 of the ALCS on Monday night as Adolis García homered twice and drove in five runs.

The wild-card Rangers are assured home-field advantage in the World Series starting Friday night following an ALCS in which the visiting team won all seven games. Texas is 8-0 on the road in the postseason, matching the 1996 New York Yankees for the most road wins without a loss.

“I think that the team, they’re just good at focusing or we’re good at focusing on the little things,” said García, the ALCS MVP. “We try to look at what we need to do, little things, to get that win or to just be successful. I think that’s really been key for us for having that success on the road, as well.”

Tommy Pham and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit back-to-back homers and Merrill Kelly struck out eight before an early five-inning hook to help Arizona force Game 7 with a 5-1 win at Philadelphia on Monday.

Two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper was at the forefront of another cold NLCS outing for Phillies hitters, and Aaron Nola got rocked on the mound.

Rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt takes a 2.13 postseason ERA to the mound for Arizona after striking out 15 and walking one in 12 2/3 innings over three playoff outings. Left-hander Ranger Suárez starts for the Phillies after going 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings this postseason. He has struck out 13 and walked two.

“I’m expecting some fun,” Kelly said. “Game 7, obviously, they talk about, it’s the best words in sports. I think the fact that we’re here, I don’t think anybody thought we were going to take them to Game 6. I don’t think anybody thought we were even going to make it to Game 1. I don’t think anybody thought we were going to make it past Milwaukee, to be honest with you.”

BETTING FAVORITES

The Rangers are the current betting favorites to win the World Series at -136, followed by the Phillies (+215) and Diamondbacks (+450), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

NO REPEAT

Texas, one of six big league teams without a World Series title, reached the Fall Classic for the first time since consecutive trips in 2010 and 2011.

Houston’s loss ensured the major leagues remain without a repeat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.

“This is a tough sport, a tough game. It’s a marathon,” said Dusty Baker, who managed the Astros to the 2022 title. “Nobody stays on top in this sport very long, and the Astros have been on top for quite a while.”

LEADING THE WAY

García homered for the fourth straight game and set a record for RBIs in a postseason series with 15. He had four hits and scored three times.

García’s 20 RBIs are one shy of the postseason record set by David Freese, whose 2011 St. Louis Cardinals beat the Rangers in a seven-game World Series.

“He’s a bad man, isn’t he?” shortstop Corey Seager said. “To be able to come into this atmosphere and get booed every at-bat and do what we did was really special. It was really fun to watch.”

IMPRESSIVE COMPANY

Bochy is trying for his fourth World Series title after winning with San Francisco in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Four championships would tie Walter Alston and Joe Torre for fourth-most behind Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel (seven each) and Connie Mack (five).

Bochy is tied at three with John McGraw, Miler Huggins, Sparky Anderson and Tony La Russa.

Every other manager with three or more is in the Hall of Fame.

HOW TO WATCH

TBS is broadcasting the NLCS. Fox will carry the World Series.

POSTSEASON SCHEDULE

League Championship Series: Oct. 15-24

World Series: Oct. 27-Nov. 4


AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

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