PHOENIX — No Bombi? No problem.
Even with the red-hot Adolis Garcia being removed from their World Series roster prior to the start of Game 4 on Tuesday due to injury, the Rangers' offense proved that it can still be a major problem for opposing pitchers.
And for the record books, for that matter.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Rangers pulled off three noteworthy feats en route to putting up 10 combined runs between the second and third innings of Tuesday night's game in Phoenix.
First of all, in the second inning, the team hit for the cycle. It started with an inning-opening double from third baseman Josh Jung. From there, and following two quick outs, the team would catch a spark. After advancing to third base on a ground out, Jung would score on a wild pitch from D-backs reliever Miguel Castro. Then, following a walk by outfielder Leody Tavares, the hits came fast and furious: In quick succession, outfielder Travis Jankowski singled, second baseman Marcus Semien tripled and shortstop Corey Seager homered as the Rangers put up five runs in the frame.
It was the first time a team had hit for the cycle in a single inning of a World Series game since the Atlanta Braves did the same -- twice, for that matter (in the 4th inning and 8th inning -- during Game 5 of the 1991 World Series against the Minnesota Twins.
The five-spot the Rangers put in the second would then be matched with another five-run effort in the third. That rally was again sparked by a Josh Jung hit -- this time, a single -- followed by a single from first baseman Nate Lowe, and then catcher Jonah Heim reaching base on an error and loading the bases. Following a Leody Tavares strikeout, Jankowski would hit Jung and Lowe home with a double, and Semien would score himself and Jankowski with a two-run homer. Eventually, the inning would come to a close with a Corey Seager strikeout.
But the damage, as they say, was already done. And with that two-inning offensive burst, the Rangers became the first team in World Series history to score five or more runs in consecutive innings.
More than that, the Rangers became the first team in all MLB postseason history to score five or more runs in consecutive innings with two outs.
Very much so, Game 4 of the 2023 World Series is one for the books.