Rangers rookie Evan Carter’s playoff heroics continue with wild double play vs. Astros

During Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, an intense playoff game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros, an unforgettable moment unfolded on the field. As Jose Altuve hurried back to first base, Corey Seager swiftly relayed a throw to Marcus Semien, who emphatically stomped on the bag at second base.

Although Altuve was initially ruled safe, Semien and Seager knew that something was amiss. Altuve himself probably realized his mistake as well. In a critical moment of the game, he had committed a significant gaffe.

However, it was Evan Carter’s remarkable play that ultimately contributed to Altuve’s misstep. Carter’s impressive catch set off a chain of events that led to the Rangers securing a decisive 2-0 victory over the Astros, giving them the upper hand in the ALCS.

Despite being a rookie in the major leagues for just a month, Carter has already showcased his prowess in playoff baseball. In Game 1, he kick-started the Rangers’ victory by hitting a hustle double off Justin Verlander, ultimately scoring the game’s first run in the second inning.

The final act of the game was even more captivating. With a leadoff walk to Altuve in the bottom of the eighth, the Rangers called upon Aroldis Chapman to record the next three crucial outs. Chapman’s history with Altuve added to the tension, as Altuve had previously hit walk-off home runs against Chapman in past ALCS matchups.

When Chapman faced Alex Bregman, the pressure was palpable. Bregman hit a deep fly ball to left field, and hearts raced as the ball approached the Crawford Boxes, just 315 feet away from home plate. This was an unfamiliar territory for Carter, as he had never played in Minute Maid Park. However, his teammates Robbie Grossman and Travis Jankowski had shown him the ropes, preparing him for this challenging outfield.

With admirable athleticism, Carter leaped into action, making an incredible catch that immobilized the crowd. This catch, combined with his earlier hustle, solidified his reputation as a postseason performer. In just his second season, Carter boasts an impressive batting average of .388 and an on-base percentage of .520.

When asked about his remarkable play, Carter humbly expressed his joy in playing the game and praised his teammates. His youthful enthusiasm and fearlessness have made a significant impact on the team.

However, the play was not yet over. Altuve had seemingly done the right thing by reaching second base but hesitated and returned to first after Carter’s catch. Everyone except Altuve noticed his failure to re-touch second base. Semien and Seager easily convinced manager Bruce Bochy to challenge the call, resulting in a double play.

With four outs following this pivotal moment, the Rangers gained the upper hand in the game. Although they have been on the road for most of the playoffs, the Rangers are determined to continue their winning streak, with Carter leading the way.

Carter’s energy, enthusiasm, and remarkable abilities make him a force to be reckoned with. As the Rangers strive to reach their ultimate goal, they anticipate that Carter will continue to impress, whether it’s by scaling walls or sending balls over them.

For more information, read the full article on USA TODAY: Evan Carter’s wild catch helps Rangers take ALCS Game 1 vs. Astros