Max Scherzer to face Christian Javier after Rangers force Game 7 of ALCS

On October 23rd, Max Scherzer, a seasoned pitcher, is set to face off against Cristian Javier following the Texas Rangers’ victory over the Houston Astros and forcing a Game 7 in the American League Championship Series. Managers Bruce Bochy of the Rangers and Dusty Baker of the Astros made the official announcements on Sunday after the Rangers triumphed over the Astros 9-2 in Game 6 held in Houston. The highly anticipated Game 7 will take place on Monday, hosted by the Astros.

During Game 6, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi showcased his skills by limiting the Astros to a mere five hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings. The Rangers’ offensive power was also on display as they secured the win with three home runs. Eovaldi acknowledged the Astros’ resilience, stating, “We knew they weren’t just going to roll over. It’s big for us to be able to turn the page and be able to lock in. We gotta do the same thing [Monday]. It’s win or go home. We have to make sure we do what we did [Sunday].”

The Rangers only managed five hits and three runs during the game. Designated hitter Mitch Garver had an exceptional performance, going 3 for 4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored. Catcher Jonah Heim and right fielder Adolis Garcia also contributed to the Rangers’ victory with their home runs.

Garver expressed his belief that the ALCS would be a close competition from the start, acknowledging the strong rosters of both teams in terms of pitching and hitting. With Game 7 deciding it all, excitement fills the air, as Garver mentioned, “It’s one game to settle it all and I think everybody is pretty excited for that.”

Game 6 saw the Astros take an early lead with Yordan Alvarez hitting an RBI single in the first inning. However, Garver quickly tied the score with a solo home run in the second inning. Heim’s two-run homer in the fourth inning gave the Rangers a 3-1 advantage, and they maintained the lead throughout the rest of the game.

In the bottom of the sixth, Mauricio Dubon’s sacrifice fly brought the Astros within one run. In the eighth inning, Garver extended the Rangers’ lead with an RBI double. The game truly came to a close in the ninth inning when the Rangers scored five additional runs, including a grand slam hit by Garcia.

The Rangers’ bullpen held the Astros to just one hit and no runs in the final innings of the game. Second baseman Marcus Semien played a crucial role in the Rangers’ victory, reaching base four times. Jose Altuve, Jose Abreu, and Yordan Alvarez each recorded two hits for the Astros.

The stage is now set for Game 7, scheduled to take place at 8:03 p.m. EDT on Monday at Minute Maid Park. Fans can catch the game on FS1. Scherzer, with a postseason record of 7-8 and a 3.80 ERA, will look to redeem himself after allowing five hits and five runs in Game 3. Javier, on the other hand, boasts an impressive postseason record of 6-1 with a 2.08 ERA. He proved his ability to perform in Game 3 of the ALCS, pitching a win against the Rangers.

Meanwhile, in the National League Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies will host the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 6 at 5:07 p.m. on Monday in Philadelphia.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.