The starting pitchers for Game 1 of the World Series have been announced. In one corner, Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will make his first career World Series start on Friday. In the other corner is Arizona Diamondbacks star Zac Gallen, also making his first World Series start.
Eovaldi comes into this postseason with a 4-0 record and a 2.42 ERA. He enters this contest fresh off a win in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series – a must-win for Texas – on Sunday in Houston. Eovaldi also recorded victories in his team’s wild card and divisional round victories.
“Nate had a lot of rest. He’s ready to go,” Texas coach Bruce Bochy said of the right-hander on Wednesday.
This isn’t the first time the Texas native has competed in the Fall Classic. In the first three games of the 2018 World Series, Eovaldi appeared in relief as the Boston Red Sox played the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 33-year-old was on the mound for the final six innings of the marathon 18-inning third game, which Max Muncy finished with a home run.
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Gallen, on the other hand, started the playoffs with wins in the Wild Card and Division Series, but lost both games he started in the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He enters the World Series with a 5.24 ERA.