Arizona Diamondbacks Do Something Never Done Before in 2023 Run to World Series

As the Arizona Diamondbacks get ready to begin the World Series on Friday night, they are riding the wave of baseball history.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will open up the World Series on Friday night in Arlington when they take on the Texas Rangers in Game 1.

It will be the Diamondback's second appearance ever in the Fall Classic, having also been there (and won) in 2001.

As special as this playoff run has been for Arizona, it almost didn't happen. The D'Backs didn't clinch a playoff berth until the final week of the regular season and earned the final wild card spot.

At 84-78, they had the fewest wins of any postseason team this season. They also went through a historically bad stretch this year.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

the D-Backs went 16-34 (.320) over a span from 6/13-8/11 

that’s the lowest win pct in a 50-game span by an eventual pennant winner 

NEVER GIVE UP 

BASEBALL IS THE BEST

the D-Backs went 16-34 (.320) over a span from 6/13-8/11

that’s the lowest win pct in a 50-game span by an eventual pennant winner

NEVER GIVE UP

BASEBALL IS THE BEST https://t.co/mLvhgirjzD

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 25, 2023

In the middle of June, there were thoughts that the D'Backs could win the National League West, but those came crashing down after that rough stretch. They finished 16.0 games behind LA in the NL West, but eventually beat the Dodgers in the NLDS.

Arizona enters this World Series with a lot of confidence after just having beat the Phillies in seven games in the NLCS. They also feature electric speed in the form of Corbin Carroll, who stole 54 bases this regular season. A good bullpen led by Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald is also a major benefit for the Snakes.

Game 1 is Friday night at 8:03 p.m. ET. Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) pitches against Zac Gallen (ARI).

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