MLB Rangers, D-Backs rise from 100-loss years to baseball’s World Series

Washington: Two seasons after losing more than 100 games each, the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks will meet in the World Series, and one will complete an unlikely championship journey.

The 119th edition of Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven title showdown opens on Friday in Arlington, Texas, as the D-backs try to rule again after taking the 2001 crown in their only prior trip.

The Rangers lost in 2010 and 2011 in their only prior appearances.

The championship chance comes after Arizona went 52-110 in 2021, matching Baltimore for MLB’s worst record, while Texas was barely better at 60-102, the Rangers’ most defeats since 1973.

D-backs’ manager, Torey Lovullo, said: “I can’t wrap my arms around it. And I know the Rangers are in a very similar boat. It just goes to show you perseverance, persistence, hard work, that anything’s possible.”

Even so, things have been far from perfect this season.

Arizona was 84-78, the worst record of any MLB playoff team and were only the second World Series team to be outscored in the regular season after Minnesota in 1987.

Texas went 90-72 but lost on the last day of the season to drop the American League West division title, settling for a wildcard playoff spot.

The Rangers, however, have gone 8-0 on the road in the playoffs.

Rangers’ manager, Bruce Bochy, said: “It’s hard to explain some things. It’s just heart and determination these guys have shown on the road. There’s something about the road that brings the team together.

“These guys, they’ve taken their punches, but they keep getting up.”

Arizona swept out division winners Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers then ousted Philadelphia.

Only six teams have recovered from 100-loss seasons to reach the World