The 2023 MLB season was anything but a regular season. This season has been extraordinary, from a late-night brawl in Cleveland to the 25th perfect game in MLB history.
Considering the events that have taken place in the 2023 season, it was not surprising for a top seed to get swept in this year’s playoffs.
The Baltimore Orioles were the most surprising upset after getting swept 3-0 by the Texas Rangers in a 21-11 run deficit after three games. The Orioles were the most hyped-up underdog throughout the 2023 season.
The Orioles had the fourth-best overall ERA in the MLB and the fourth-best batting average in the 2023 season. This Orioles team was the highly touted favorite, with young talent and a strong bullpen.
Throughout the season, the Rangers were known to have a potent offense, but there were concerns with the Rangers pitching depth.
After picking up Cy Young winner Jacob Degrom in the offseason, the Rangers were expected to make a deep playoff run.
The only thing in the way of the Rangers chances of succeeding were injuries. After pitching two gems early in the season, Degrom would undergo Tommy John Surgery for the second time.
Although this injury would devastate the Rangers, veteran pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray and Jordan Montgomery would step up and significantly impact the depleted Rangers pitching staff.
The Rangers would eventually get into a new rhythm throughout the rest of the season and have a newly formed confidence.
“We knew we were going to have to score runs. We scored a little in the second game, but not so much in the first and third,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, according to the Associated Press.
The Rangers would score 21 runs in 3 games, a new franchise record in the playoffs.
The Rangers will advance to the ALCS and play game one on October 15. 2023. The opponent is to be determined.
