Ketel Marte Continues Postseason Hitting Streak, Sets Record

• World Series Diamondbacks Rangers Baseball

• Marte's streak is the longest at the start of a postseason career.

• He tied the overall postseason record for consecutive games with a hit.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte hits a RBI double off Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi during the fifth inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Arlington

AP

In the realm of October baseball, Ketel Marte has become a true icon, resembling the legendary Joe DiMaggio himself. It seems that every time Marte steps onto the postseason stage, he manages to secure at least one hit. His latest performance was no exception, as he blasted an RBI double off the talented Nathan Eovaldi, giving the Arizona Diamondbacks a two-run advantage in a thrilling 6-5, 11-inning loss to the Texas Rangers that marked the World Series opener.

While Marte's streak may not rival the remarkable 56-game record set by Joe D. in 1941, his own 17-game hitting spree at the start of his postseason career is nothing short of extraordinary. This feat ties him with greats like Hank Bauer of the New York Yankees (1956-1958 World Series), Derek Jeter of the Yankees (1998-1999), and Boston's own Manny Ramirez (2003-2004) for the overall postseason record.

Yet, amid the glitz and glamour of his achievements, Marte remains humble, remarking nonchalantly about not receiving the souvenir ball. Instead, he cherishes the intangible memories that this incredible journey has gifted him.

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Marte's streak is the longest at the start of a postseason career.

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World Series Diamondbacks Rangers Baseball

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He tied the overall postseason record for consecutive games with a hit.

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Marte hit an RBI double in the World Series opener against the Texas Rangers.

Throughout this postseason, Marte has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a .345 batting average alongside two home runs and nine RBIs in just 13 games played. His prowess was on full display when he expertly smacked a curveball from Eovaldi, propelling it a staggering 402 feet off the base of the right-center wall, ultimately bringing Geraldo Perdomo home for a pivotal run.

Now at the age of 30, Marte's baseball journey began in the Dominican Republic, where he was signed as a promising 16-year-old by the Seattle Mariners back in 2010. After a stint with the Mariners from 2015 to 2016, he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, joining forces with pitcher Taijuan Walker in exchange for outfielder Mitch Haniger, infielder Jean Segura, and pitcher Zac Curtis.

Marte has experienced both triumph and disappointment during his time with the Diamondbacks, enduring lackluster seasons, including a disheartening 110 losses in 2021. However, 2019 witnessed his meteoric rise, as he secured an All-Star berth and secured an impressive fourth place finish in the NL MVP voting. That year, Marte reached new heights, with career-best numbers of a .329 batting average, 32 home runs, and 92 RBIs. Although a right groin injury dimmed his September performance, he still managed to produce commendable figures of a .276 average, 25 homers, and 82 RBIs.

The 2021 postseason has been a true showcase of Marte's skills. In the Wild Card Series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, he combined forces with Corbin Carroll to hit back-to-back homers off Corbin Burnes, leading the Diamondbacks to a triumphant 6-3 victory. Marte didn't stop there, as he then played a pivotal role in securing a decisive win for Arizona in the following game, delivering a two-run single in the sixth inning.

Against all odds, Marte kickstarted a resounding victory against Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the Division Series. His leadoff double propelled the Diamondbacks to a breathtaking six-run first inning, indicative of their determination to conquer. In Game 3 of that same series, Marte played a significant part in the unforgettable record-breaking display of four home runs in a single inning by the Arizona lineup.

His bat remained hot in the NL Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he boasted a phenomenal .387 batting average, notching four doubles and a triple. Marte's heroics continued as he delivered a walk-off single against the renowned Craig Kimbrel in Game 3, solidifying his status as the series MVP. This incredible performance aided the Diamondbacks in overcoming a 2-0 NLCS deficit, proving that they are a team capable of defying all odds.

Reflecting on their current World Series predicament, Marte remains optimistic, commenting on their previous success in the face of adversity against the Phillies. He reminds his teammates and fans alike that they possess the resilience and determination necessary to mount an unforgettable comeback.

As the Arizona Diamondbacks continue their pursuit of baseball glory, Ketel Marte stands at the forefront, a beacon of consistency and excellence. His postseason prowess is unrivaled, and he defies all expectations with each swing of the bat. Whether or not the Diamondbacks secure the coveted World Series title, one thing remains crystal clear: Ketel Marte's name will forever be etched in the annals of postseason history.