Rangers right fielder Adolis García hit a three-run homer in Game 5 that appeared to give the Rangers' control of the ALCS. He would be hit by a pitch later that game, he would be ejected, the Astros would storm back to win that game and then García was Public Enemy No. 1 when the series returned to Houston.
He who laughs last, laughs loudest and that man right now would be Adolis García.
García hit an exclamation point of a grand slam to essentially close down Game 6 for the Rangers on Sunday night, and he was involved through Game 7 in the Rangers' offensive explosion that resulted in an 11-4 pennant-clinching win. He would end up with four hits, including two homers, and five RBI in Game 7.
For the series, García won ALCS MVP honors after going 10 for 28 (.357) with five home runs and an absurd 15 RBI in the seven games.
Ladies and Gentlemen... your ALCS MVP, Adolis García! 👏 pic.twitter.com/jmysDU8LbX
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 24, 2023
Those 15 RBI were an all-time, single-series playoff record. The previous record was 13, held by Rangers designated hitter Nelson Cruz in the 2011 ALCS. No series in playoff history had ever seen a player record 14 RBI until Adolis García got there with a two-RBI single in Game 7:
He is the moment. #GoAndTakeIt pic.twitter.com/k2KEkzzaMR
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) October 24, 2023
He later tacked on a homer, which was one of those "now you're just showing off" moments.
One more for good measure. #GoAndTakeIt pic.twitter.com/dcUJXGZSn7
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) October 24, 2023
Now with the Rangers advancing to the World Series, which means at least four more games and the possibility of seven more games, it seems pretty likely we're going to see García make history.
Here's the current leaderboard for RBI in a single postseason.
- David Freese, 2011 Cardinals: 21 RBI
- Adolis García, 2023 Rangers*; Corey Seager, 2020 Dodgers: 20 RBI
- David Ortiz, 2004 Red Sox; Scott Spiezio, 2002 Angels; Sandy Alomar, 1997 Cleveland: 19 RBI
- Alex Rodriguez, 2009 Yankees: 18 RBI
*And counting. Again, take note that García right now has 20 RBI in 12 games and will be playing at least four more. Freese in 2011 and Seager in 2020 played in 18 games apiece, so the pace García is well past those two.
The World Series begins on Friday, Oct. 27. Game 1 will take place in Globe Life Field in Arlington. We don't yet know who the Rangers' opponent will be, but we know García will be slotted in the cleanup spot for the home team and he's only two RBI away from tying the most runs driven home in a single postseason.
