The American League Championship Series continues Wednesday night at Globe Life Field. The Texas Rangers defeated the in-state rival Houston Astros in Games 1 and 2 at Minute Maid Park, giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series. Historically, teams that took a 2-0 lead in best-of-seven won the series 84% of the time.
Last month, the Astros beat the Rangers in three games at Globe Life Field and it was a massacre. The final scores were 13-6, 14-1 and 12-3. The Astros would certainly like to do that again over the next three games, but one game at a time. They need a win in Game 3 to avoid a dreaded 3-0 deficit in the series.
You can view the full postseason schedule by clicking here. Here you can find the playoff round for 2023. Now let’s get to how you can watch and find out.
Here’s how to watch Game 3
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 18 | Time: 8:03 p.m
Location: Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
TV channel: FS1 | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Starting pitchers: RHP Max Scherzer (13-6, 3.77 ERA) vs. RHP Cristian Javier (10-5, 4.56 ERA)
opportunities: TEX +148 | HOU-177 | O/U: 1.5
preview
Max Scherzer is back. The three-time Cy Young winner hasn’t pitched since Sept. 12 because of a severe muscle strain near his right shoulder, but he’s doing well and will start Game 3. Scherzer faced hitters in a 69-pitch live batting practice session last week, so he is somewhat stretched out. The Astros need all the help they can get and will have to hope Scherzer is rusty. Javier had ups and downs in the regular season, although he was very good in his start in the Division Series. The Astros especially need Kyle Tucker and several other key players to get on the right track. Jordan Alvarez needs help.
forecast
Given the layoff, I expect Scherzer will be a little rusty and the Astros will take advantage early. I’m going to say Houston wins Game 3 and makes the series. And Alvarez will go deep again. Who would object at this point? Choose: Astros 6, Rangers 3.