What to Expect from the Rangers-Astros ALCS Series
It’s all about Texas in this year’s ALCS. The Rangers enter this series with a perfect 5-0 record, but they’re going up against the Astros who have a historic reputation for being unstoppable in the playoffs.
Jose Altuve Shines in the Playoffs
Jose Altuve, a veteran player for the Houston Astros, has already played in 100 career playoff games. At 33 years old, Altuve continues to perform exceptionally well in the postseason. In Game 4 of the ALCS, he had three hits and currently has five hits in his last nine at-bats. Altuve’s impressive performance has placed him near the top of offensive categories in playoff history, with second place in runs scored and career home runs, and fourth place in hits and extra-base hits.
Altuve remains humble despite his achievements, stating that individual statistics are not the highlight of his playoff experience. He prioritizes winning as a team and is grateful for the opportunity to play so many playoff games.
Impressive Playoff Streak for the Astros
Altuve and third baseman Alex Bregman have appeared in seven consecutive League Championship Series, a feat only matched by Braves pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. The Astros are only two victories away from making their fifth World Series appearance in this remarkable streak.
Altuve acknowledges that it’s too early to reflect on his most memorable moments in this playoff run, but he is enjoying every moment and remains focused on the ultimate goal of winning the championship.
Live Updates from Game 5 of the ALCS
ARLINGTON, Texas – Justin Verlander, the star pitcher for the Astros, started strong against the Texas Rangers, but they managed to turn the game around in the sixth inning. Corey Seager, Evan Carter, and Adolis Garcia gave the Rangers a 4-2 lead with a double, single, and a three-run homer. This surprising turn of events puts the Rangers in a good position to potentially take a 3-2 lead in the series.
ARLINGTON, Texas – In the sixth inning of Game 5, the Astros took a 2-1 lead thanks to a short-hop grounder hit by Jose Abreu that scored Alex Bregman. The play was ruled a hit, even though Seager couldn’t make the play at shortstop. The Rangers’ pitcher Jordan Montgomery was replaced by Josh Sborz, who managed to get the Astros out without further damage.
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Rangers finally got to Justin Verlander in the fifth inning with a home run hit by Nathaniel Lowe. Verlander had been dominating the game, allowing only one hit until that point. However, the Astros remain in a good position with Verlander throwing just 68 pitches through five innings.
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers had a golden opportunity to score runs against Justin Verlander in the third inning but failed to capitalize. Marcus Semien and Corey Seager popped up on the first pitch they saw, leaving the Rangers frustrated. The Astros’ high-leverage relievers are well-rested and ready to maintain their advantage in this crucial Game 5.
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Astros wasted no time taking the lead in Game 4 of the ALCS, with Alex Bregman hitting a home run in the first inning. This pattern of early leads has been consistent throughout the series, and the team that takes the lead has gone on to win in the past few games. The winner of Game 5 will have a crucial advantage going into the next game in Houston.
How to Watch Astros vs. Rangers: Time, TV Channel
Game 5 is scheduled to begin at 5:07 p.m. ET and will be aired on Fox Sports 1.
Astros vs. Rangers Lineups and Probable Pitchers for Game 5
Houston Astros
- Starting pitcher: RHP Justin Verlander – 13-8, 2.28 ERA regular season; 1.42 in 12 ⅔ innings postseason
- Jose Altuve (R) 2B
- Mauricio Dubon (R) CF
- Alex Bregman (R) 3B
- Yordan Alvarez (L) DH
- Jose Abreu (R) 1B
- Kyle Tucker (L) RF
- Chas McCormick (R) LF
- Jeremy Peña (R) SS
- Martin Maldonado (R) C
Texas Rangers
- Starting pitcher: LHP Jordan Montgomery – 10-11, 3.20 ERA regular season; 2-0, 2.08 ERA in 17⅓ innings postseason
- Marcus Semien (R)…
