In a twist of deja vu, the Houston Astros faced a daunting scenario reminiscent of their 2019 World Series defeat as they succumbed to a 9-2 loss against the Texas Rangers in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The loss added to a perplexing trend, as the Astros now hold a 1-4 home record this postseason, a stark contrast to their performance on the road.
Back in 2019, Houston’s dreams were shattered when they lost Game 7 to the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park, culminating in a unique feat where the visiting team won every game in the seven-game series. Fast forward to the present, and the Rangers have forced a pivotal Game 7, setting the stage for another nail-biting showdown.
Houston’s struggles to deliver in crucial moments have continued to haunt them. In Game 6, they managed just one hit out of eight opportunities with runners in scoring position, further exemplifying their woes during the ALCS at home, where they are a mere 2-for-17 in such situations. Despite mounting a promising threat in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and just one out, they were unable to capitalize as Mauricio Dubon lined out to short, followed by pinch hitter Jon Singleton’s strikeout.
Manager Dusty Baker expressed his disappointment at the missed opportunities but remained hopeful for a turnaround in Game 7. Baker also announced that right-hander Cristian Javier would be the starter for the decisive contest.
Despite their recent struggles, Javier has been a bright spot for the Astros this postseason. The right-hander, with a 2-0 record and an impressive 1.69 ERA, played a significant role in their 8-5 victory in Game 3. Javier has maintained a levelheaded approach even in the face of adversity, which will be essential as the Astros aim to keep their season alive.
The Rangers, on the other hand, displayed their resilience and road prowess, improving to an astonishing 7-0 on the road during the postseason. They are gearing up for Game 7 with a focus on taking advantage of any opportunities that come their way.
Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, despite his challenging Game 3 performance, will be the Rangers’ starting pitcher in Game 7. While Scherzer faced a loss in his postseason debut for Texas, he is adamant about his arm’s health after returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since September. The Rangers, having a full bullpen at their disposal after Nathan Eovaldi’s commendable performance on Sunday, remain ready to adapt and deploy alternative options as needed.
As the ALCS builds to its climactic Game 7, memories of the past loom large, especially with Scherzer, who was the starting pitcher in the pivotal Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion, and baseball fans eagerly await the unfolding drama that only a Game 7 can deliver.
