Houston Astros: ALDS Game 1 Round Up: Strange Magic
The Houston Astros make an early statement in the playoffs against the Boston Red with an ALDS Game 1 victory. Now, they look to keep rolling!
At the start of play today, the Houston Astros were the underdogs. The Boston Red Sox are considered a baseball dynasty, after all. So, it seemed only natural for them to get picked by most analyst to take Game 1 of the ALDS.
But those analysts were quickly proven wrong!
In the titan pitching match up between Justin Verlander and Chris Sale, it was Sale that metaphorically blinked first. Final Score: Astros 8, Red Sox 2.
Here’s how the Houston Astros did it:
The JV Party Don’t Stop!
In six innings of work, Justin Verlander earned his sixth straight victory in an Astros’ uniform. There was some slight concern regarding his command of pitches. Even though he only gave up two runs, they came off of eight hits and a pair of walks.
However, JV was able to induce a fair amount of ground outs in the game. Skipper A.J. Hinch clearly made the right choice to start the six time All-Star for the ALDS Game 1. Dallas Keuchel will start Game 2 tomorrow afternoon.
Verlander has made some serious magic happen for this team since being acquired August 31. Thankfully, it does not appear to be fading any time soon!
Three’s A Crowd….ENERGIZER!
Jose Altuve became only the 9th player in MLB history to tally three home runs in any single post season game. No surprises, the first one came during his first at-bat against Sox ace, Chris Sale.
During his post game press conference, he went on record giving praise to the entire team effort on winning the ALDS Game 1. Here is his most noteworthy quote:
"“Everybody came out with a lot of energy. We played good defense. We swung the bat really good. This is the team we are, and we’ve got to come back tomorrow and play a good game, too.”"
I don’t know about you, readers. But to me, these are the words of an MVP to me!
When Bears Attack!
By far and away, the unsung hero of the ALDS Game 1 was Evan Gattis. Serving as the team DH, he went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles. Additionally, he also drew a walk to set up a pinch run appearance by Derek Fisher.
Hinch mentioned wanting to carry a third catcher into the post season. This is a position won out by Juan Centeno. The idea behind this was to have Gattis DH against lefties.
And boy did it pay off dividends!
The bear displayed a lot of patience and discipline in the batter’s box today. Even in a position he has usually struggled with, the DH, he brought a lot to today’s win.
Not to be outdone, his brother bear wonder twin, Brian McCann, had a key hit as well. In the bottom of the 6th inning, the bases were loaded. BMac ripped a single into right field to score both Evan Gattis and Josh Reddick.
Just like that, “Brevan McGattis,” as the team likes to call them, continue their quiet contributions. Here’s hoping that there will be many more of these to come leading up to, and throughout, the World Series.
The Locomotion
Game 2 of the ALDS takes place tomorrow afternoon. The Red Sox will send Drew Pomeranz to the mound to duel it out with Dallas Keuchel. A double lefty match up is going to be very fun to watch.
The offense must continue to make a big splash while playing small ball. Also, the pitching will need to continue holding it down. All of this combined will lead to more wins by this Houston Astros team.
Next: THREE Reasons why you'll see the toughest October ever
Honestly, I feel this team can go all the way. And I know I’m not alone in thinking or feeling that way!
GO HOUSTON ASTROS! #HoustonStrong #EarnHistory