In Jose Altuve’s 100th postseason game, Houston Astros remind the sport just how unstoppable they are

ARLINGTON, Texas – The significance of the run scored in the game was minimal. This is a rare occurrence, especially in the postseason. While scoring runs is always a positive outcome, the ultimate goal is to win the game. By the time Jose Altuve stepped up to bat in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the ALCS, the Houston Astros had already secured a victory. With a score of 9-3 and the Texas Rangers struggling to find competent starting pitchers and suffering from bullpen issues, it was clear that the Astros were the dominant team in this series. It seems that the Astros are simply unstoppable in October.

As we waited for the game to conclude, Altuve had his chance to make another impact. On the first pitch of the inning, Altuve, who had been hindered by injuries and had been hitless in the previous two games, hit a powerful curveball towards the left-field wall. The ball came off the bat at an incredible speed of 109.5 mph and traveled 371 feet. In most ballparks, this would have been a home run, but in Globe Life Field, it was initially ruled as one. The call was later overturned, reducing the Astros’ lead to six runs. Altuve settled for a double, adding to his 3-for-4 performance that night.

Altuve’s at-bat was particularly significant because it marked his 100th postseason game. He recently moved up to seventh place on the all-time list of postseason games played. He is just four games away from reaching sixth place, and he is currently the only active player in the top 10. This achievement highlights the Astros’ undeniable success and dominance in recent years.

When Altuve first joined the Astros in 2011, the team was struggling and suffered from numerous losses. However, as Altuve emerged as a star player and the team underwent a remarkable rebuild, the Astros eventually clinched victory in the 2017 World Series. This success solidified their position as one of the most controversial teams in baseball.

Altuve’s postseason milestones are indicative of the mutually beneficial relationship he shares with the Astros. The more he plays in October, the better the team performs. Altuve’s 100 games played in the postseason is both a result and a cause of the Astros’ success. Additionally, Altuve ranks second in career postseason home runs, trailing only Manny Ramirez. Another home run in this particular game would have made the night even more memorable for Altuve.

If Altuve’s hit had indeed been a home run, he might have wanted to keep the ball as a memento. Instead, he mentioned that he might retire the jersey he wore during the game, symbolizing the wisdom and experience he has gained from playing in more postseason games than any other current Astros player.

The Rangers entered the playoffs undefeated until they faced the Astros, their division rivals who overcame them on the final day of the regular season. In the first two games of the ALCS, it appeared that the Rangers were too talented or too hot to succumb to the Astros’ expectations. However, the Astros’ experience playing in hostile environments seems to have prepared them to thrive in such situations. They had a better record on the road than at home during the regular season, and their performance in Arlington has been particularly impressive.

One particular moment in the game exemplified this narrative. Dane Dunning, the Rangers’ pitcher, walked Martín Maldonado to start the fourth inning. This presented a golden opportunity for Altuve, who then walked, and Mauricio Dubón followed with a single. Despite Alex Bregman striking out, the bases were loaded for Yordan Alvarez. Facing such a formidable hitter, surrendering just one run can be considered a success. Fortunately for the Rangers, Alvarez’s hit was caught on the warning track, resulting in a 401-foot sacrifice fly. The next batter, José Abreu, then hit a three-run home run.

This sequence of events demonstrates the resilience and unpredictability of the Astros. Just when it seems like they are at a disadvantage, they find a way to turn the tables. The Rangers, who initially led the series 2-0, now find themselves in a precarious situation, needing to win two out of three games to advance. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a seven-game series have an 84% chance of winning the series. The Astros, however, are fully aware that anything can happen in the playoffs.

Altuve acknowledged the importance of his postseason experience in shaping his perspective. He believes that his 100 playoff games have taught him that unexpected events can occur during this time of year. Although this insight may seem like a cliché, it can make all the difference in the mindset of a player and a team.

In the eighth inning of the game, Altuve found himself on second base after his potential home run was reversed. Two batters later, Alvarez drove him in with a single, contributing to the Astros’ final score of 10-3.

Although Altuve did not add a home run to his records in this game, his contribution was valued equally by the team.

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Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.