ARLINGTON, Texas – The significance of the run in this game cannot be overstated. A rare occurrence in the postseason, where every run matters, the Houston Astros proved that winning the game is the ultimate objective. As the top of the eighth inning commenced, it was clear that the Astros had already secured victory in Game 3 of the ALCS. With a commanding 9-3 lead, the Rangers’ pitching struggles and bullpen issues were magnified, highlighting the Astros’ dominance in October.
But perhaps this is simply the Astros’ destiny in the postseason.
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While we patiently waited for the game to reach its conclusion, Jose Altuve stepped up to bat. On the first pitch of the inning, Altuve, a seasoned veteran who had battled injuries and struggled in the first two games of the series, blasted a curveball towards the left-field wall. With a staggering exit velocity of 109.5 mph, the hit traveled 371 feet. In most ballparks, it would have been a glorious home run. However, in Globe Life Field, it was initially ruled as such, only to be overturned upon review. Altuve settled for a double, adding to his impressive 3-for-4 performance that night.
The significance of this near-home run was not lost on Altuve’s teammate, Alex Bregman. Reflecting on the moment, Bregman expressed his hopes for the ball to clear the fences. Had the call stood, the game would have taken on an even more memorable aura, considering it was Altuve’s 100th postseason game. Altuve currently sits at seventh place on the all-time postseason list, with the potential to move up to sixth with just four more games.
These milestones and achievements only emphasize the Astros’ incredible success and their seemingly unstoppable nature. Altuve’s journey with the team began during a period of relentless losses, with the team enduring multiple seasons of triple-digit losses. However, in 2017, Altuve won the MVP award while leading the Astros to their first World Series title. This victory marked the turning point for the Astros, solidifying their reputation as formidable opponents and perhaps even villains to some.
Fast forward to the present, and Altuve has played in 100 high-stakes postseason games during the Astros’ seven consecutive ALCS appearances, two of which resulted in championships. Altuve possesses something that every major-league player desires – the opportunity to play in the postseason. While his individual talent can be measured through various statistics, his postseason experience and success truly define his greatness.
Altuve’s relationship with the Astros is symbiotic; as the team flourishes, so does he. Altuve’s substantial postseason contributions have earned him the second spot on the all-time list for career postseason home runs, just behind Manny Ramirez. Altuve’s 25 postseason home runs further demonstrate his impact on the game and his ability to thrive when it matters most.
If Altuve’s hit had indeed cleared the fences, it would have been a treasured keepsake for him. However, Altuve stated that he might retire the jersey he was wearing during the game as a memento. This action symbolizes the wisdom and experience Altuve possesses, which surpasses that of any Astros’ opponent.
Coming into the series, the Rangers had not suffered a single postseason loss. However, facing their division rivals in Houston, the Rangers quickly realized the Astros’ resilience in hostile environments. The Astros had a better road record than home record during the regular season, and their performance in Arlington mirrored their success on the road.
Another notable moment in the game showcased Dane Dunning’s struggle on the mound. By walking Martín Maldonado and Altuve, Dunning set the stage for Mauricio Dubón’s subsequent single, loading the bases. The Astros had an opportunity to regain the lead, and their ace, Yordan Alvarez, was at the plate. Despite his impressive postseason slugging percentage and six home runs in October, Alvarez’s hit fell short of a home run, resulting in a 401-foot sacrifice fly. The Rangers achieved a small victory by surrendering just one run in that situation.
However, their celebration was short-lived, as José Abreu promptly hit a three-run home run. This sequence of events perfectly encapsulates the Astros’ resilience and ability to turn the tide in their favor.
As the Rangers face the daunting task of winning a best-of-three series with only one home game, the odds appear to be in the Astros’ favor. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a seven-game series have an 84% chance of winning the series. The Astros arrived in Arlington with just a 16% chance of overcoming this deficit.
Altuve acknowledged that his perspective would have been different if he hadn’t played in 100 postseason games. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball, where anything can happen. While this insight may seem cliché, it holds immense value for both the player and the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Returning to the eighth inning, Altuve may not have recorded a home run in the stat book, but his contribution to the team was just as significant. Two batters later, Alvarez drove Altuve in with a single, adding another run to the Astros’ commanding lead. The final score of the night: 10-3 in favor of the Astros.
Ultimately, Altuve’s near-home run mattered just as much as a home run would have. It symbolized the Astros’ unwavering determination and their ability to overcome adversity in pursuit of victory.
