The Houston Astros took great joy in beating the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and sealing their rivals’ third straight win on Friday, this time with a score of 5-4, taking the lead in their championship series American League.
One move in particular was crucial. Jose Altuve changed everything in the ninth inning by sending a pitch from reliever Jose Leclerc into the stands. Thanks to that three-point cannon shot, the Astros took a 5-4 lead and never looked back.
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“It just happened, so I still feel emotions and adrenaline. It was a nice moment because in the end we won,” Altuve said at a press conference.
“He is unbelievable. He has a slow heartbeat. It seems like he always gets away with it in the biggest moments this franchise has ever seen. I am full of admiration,” said Alex Bregman emotionally on the pitch.
The Rangers got it in the sixth when Adolis Garcia hit a three-run home run of his own to make it 4-2.
Verlander’s night at work ended shortly after he gave in to Garcia. The 40-year-old veteran also allowed a home run against Nathaniel Lowe in the fifth. The fatigue was noticeable on the two-time World Series winner.
Before Altuve’s heroic gesture, Alex Bregman also hit a home run in the first inning.
Tempers are heating up
Chaos ensued in the eighth inning when Garcia was hit in the arm by a pitch from Bryan Abreu. The Rangers outfielder obviously had a lot to say to catcher Martin Maldonado and the benches emptied.
The officials determined Abreu’s action was intentional and ejected him from the game, as did Garcia. Angry 74-year-old Astros manager Dusty Baker let the refs see his frustration and was also ejected.
This series hasn’t done the home teams any favors so far. The Rangers had taken a serious option by winning twice at Minute Maid Park, only to suffer bitter defeats in Arlington, 8-5 and 10-3, before Friday’s game.
The Rangers face elimination on Sunday. The Astros, the defending champions, have not been pushed to the wall since their loss to the Atlanta Braves in the 2021 World Series.