MINNEAPOLIS – The Houston Astros have their sights set on extending their remarkable streak by reaching the American League Championship Series for the seventh consecutive season. As they prepare to face the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of the AL Division Series, the Astros hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. After splitting the initial two games at home, Houston delivered a commanding 9-1 victory in Game 3 on Tuesday in Minnesota.
The Astros’ Jose Abreu played a pivotal role in Tuesday’s win by homering twice, with both Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez adding one home run each. Pitcher Cristian Javier secured a significant nine strikeouts in five scoreless innings. Now, the spotlight turns to Houston right-hander Jose Urquidy, who hasn’t yet seen action in this year’s playoffs. During the regular season, Urquidy had a record of 3-3 with a 5.29 ERA in 16 appearances, including 10 starts.
Although Urquidy hasn’t appeared in the playoffs this year, he boasts substantial postseason experience with 12 career appearances, six of which were starts. He holds a 3-2 record with a 3.72 ERA in postseason play, with two of those wins coming in the 2021 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. In his three regular-season starts against the Twins, Urquidy is 0-0 with a 2.93 ERA, and he has recorded 17 strikeouts over 15 1/3 innings. Additionally, he turned in a solid 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the Twins during the 2020 AL wild-card series.
Jose Urquidy is eager to take the mound in Game 4, expressing his anticipation by saying, “I was waiting for the chance since we started the series. I’m anxious to pitch (Wednesday). I’m anxious to finish the series (Wednesday) and enjoy it with the guys.”
On the opposing side, the Twins will send Joe Ryan to the mound. The 27-year-old right-hander, who went 11-10 with a 4.51 ERA during the regular season, will be making his postseason debut. His most recent outing was on September 29th against the Colorado Rockies, in which he allowed six runs on eight hits over five innings.
Ryan had spent time in the bullpen but was not called upon in the AL wild-card series against the Toronto Blue Jays or in the ALDS until now. He shared his perspective, stating, “I think it’s good to have a little bit of rest, too, after the long season. I think if you just keep everything firing how it should be and make sure your pitches are there, it’s not too much of a worry.”
Although Ryan’s history against the Astros includes a 1-2 record with an 8.36 ERA in three career starts, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli is confident in his abilities to step up for this pivotal game. “He’ll be motivated,” Baldelli stated. “He’ll be ready to perform. I think he’s been waiting for his opportunity to go out there, and we know when it’s going to be now. I think there are a lot of different directions that these playoff games can go.”
The Astros have an impressive record of reaching the World Series in four of the past six seasons, clinching two championships. In contrast, the Twins haven’t advanced to the ALCS since 2002, hoping to rewrite history in this decisive Game 4.
