Astros conquer Rangers’ Scherzer, cut ALCS gap in half.
Maldonado and Alvarez Lead Astros to Victory in ALCS Game 3
Jose Altuve smacked his 25th career postseason homer and Cristian Javier went 5 2/3 innings in his latest strong postseason outing as Houston cut its deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Mauricio Dubon had three hits for the Astros.
Josh Jung hit a pair of two-run homers for the Rangers, who lost for the first time in eight games this postseason.
Game 4 is Thursday night in Arlington.
Javier (2-0) gave up two runs, three hits and one walk while striking out three. He recorded 14 outs before allowing Texas’ first hit.
The runs were the first Javier has allowed in four career postseason starts. He has given up just five hits in 22 innings during those outings.
Ryan Pressly worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for his third save of this postseason and 14th of his career.
Rangers starter Max Scherzer (0-1) allowed five runs and five hits in four innings in his first outing since Sept. 12. Scherzer, who had been sidelined due to a teres major muscle strain in his right (pitching) shoulder, struck out four and walked one.
Houston took its first lead of the series with a three-run second inning.
The Astros loaded the bases with two outs before Scherzer bounced a slider for a wild pitch and Alvarez scored from third. On the next pitch, Maldonado ripped a single to left to score two more.
In the third, Altuve recorded his first hit of the series, a leadoff homer to left-center to make it 4-0.
Houston added another run off Scherzer in the fourth when Jose Abreu doubled and scored on Dubon’s single to center.
Nathaniel Lowe singled with two outs in the fifth for the Rangers’ first hit off Javier. Jung followed with a blast to right center to cut Texas’ deficit to 5-2.
The Astros added on in the seventh when Alvarez hit a two-run single against Will Smith.
Lowe and Jung were at it again in the seventh. Lowe singled with two outs off Hector Neris, and Jung followed with a two-run shot to center to pull the Rangers within 7-4. It was Jung’s third career postseason homer.
Jeremy Pena hit an RBI single in the eighth for Houston. Adolis Garcia answered with a run-scoring single in the bottom of the inning for Texas.
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How did Max Scherzer fare in his return to the mound for the Rangers after a long hiatus
Maldonado and Alvarez Lead Astros to Victory in ALCS Game 3
By Field Level Media
October 18, 2023 – 8:21 PM PDT
In a thrilling matchup, the Houston Astros emerged victorious in Game 3 of the ALCS, thanks to stellar performances by Martín Maldonado and Yordan Alvarez. Their outstanding efforts helped the Astros cut their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Texas Rangers.
The Astros got off to a strong start with Jose Altuve hitting his 25th career postseason home run. Cristian Javier also played a crucial role, pitching 5 2/3 innings and delivering another impressive postseason outing. Mauricio Dubon made significant contributions with three hits for the Astros.
On the other side, Josh Jung stood out for the Rangers, hitting a pair of two-run homers. However, this loss marked the first defeat for the Rangers in eight games this postseason.
Looking ahead, Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday night in Arlington. The Astros will be aiming to level the series, while the Rangers will look to extend their lead.
Javier (2-0) showcased his skills on the mound, allowing only two runs, three hits, and one walk, while striking out three. He managed to keep the Rangers at bay for 14 outs before conceding their first hit. It was a remarkable performance from Javier, who showed his composure and skill in postseason play.
This game also marked the first time Javier allowed runs in his postseason career. In his four previous postseason starts, Javier had not given up a single run. He has been a reliable and consistent pitcher for the Astros, conceding only five hits in 22 innings during his postseason appearances.
In the ninth inning, Ryan Pressly closed the game for the Astros, securing his third save of this postseason and 14th save of his career. Despite a leadoff walk, Pressly maintained his composure and ensured victory for the Astros.
For the Rangers, Max Scherzer had a challenging outing. Making his return after a hiatus since September 12 due to a teres major muscle strain in his pitching shoulder, Scherzer struggled. He allowed five runs and five hits in just four innings. Despite striking out four batters and issuing only one walk, Scherzer was unable to contain the Astros’ strong offense.
Houston took its first lead of the series in the second inning. With the bases loaded, Scherzer threw a wild pitch, allowing Alvarez to score from third. Maldonado followed up with a single, driving in two more runs for the Astros.
Altuve, who had been struggling earlier in the series, made a breakthrough in the third inning with a leadoff home run to left-center, further extending the Astros’ lead to 4-0.
In the fourth inning, Abreu doubled and then scored on Dubon’s single to center, adding another run to Houston’s total.
Nathaniel Lowe provided a glimmer of hope for the Rangers with a single in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to turn the tide in their favor.
Overall, it was an intense and closely contested game, with both teams displaying their strengths. The Astros managed to seize the opportunity and secure a crucial victory. As the series continues, both teams will be eager to make their mark and edge closer to the coveted spot in the World Series.
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