Credit: AP News
Introduction
Yesterday the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros matched up in the postseason for the first time in both of their franchise's histories. In this notable American League Championship Series Game 1, the Rangers' pitching and clutch defense would ultimately prove decisive as they won 2-0, taking a 1-0 series lead over the Astros.
Here is the Gameday lineups, stats, and graphics related to Game 1 for your further viewing.
Rangers vs Astros Game 1 Recap
Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander was the starting pitcher for the Astros, but Jordan Montgomery, the starter for the Rangers, outdueled Verlander. This was a very low scoring game, which showcases the fine margins needed to win every tension filled postseason game.
Justin Verlander threw six and two-thirds innings, giving up six hits, two earned runs, two walks, and striking out five batters. Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery posted another scoreless start going six and one-thirds innings, giving up five hits, no runs, one walk, and striking out six batters.
Some notable offensive performers were in fact the sole run producers of the game. Rangers' nine-hole hitter Leody Taveras went 2-for-2 with a solo home run off Justin Verlander with one out in the top of the fifth inning. Also, Rangers' catcher Jonah Heim went 1-for-3, driving in the other run of the game with a single to center field, scoring Evan Carter in the top of the second inning.
Credit: FOX 4 KDFW
Speaking of the rookie Evan Carter, he went 1-for-4 throughout Game 1, but still has a .389 batting average for the whole postseason. But, Carter's highlight came in the bottom of the eighth inning playing defense in left field. Alex Bregman hit a fly ball to the deep indentation of the left field wall next to the Crawford Boxes.
Magnificently, Evan Carter made a leaping grab up against the wall robbing Bregman of extra bases and denying the Astros a lifeline when they were down late in the game. Unfortunately for the Astros, Jose Altuve was on first base and passed second base while running while the fly ball was in the air. But, Jose did not touch second base after going back to first base with Carter making the catch and throwing it to second base. Upon umpire review, they overturned the original call of Altuve not being out, meaning Bregman flew into a pivotal double play. This reduced the Astros probability of winning by 14.7% according to MLB.
The Rangers' closing pitcher Jose Leclerc threw an effective bottom of the ninth inning, shutting down any of Houston's hopes of winning a crucial Game 1, and finished the win for the Rangers.
Tune in for Rangers-Astros ALCS Game 2 which will air on FOX/FOX Sports 1 later this afternoon at 3:37 PM Central Time. Nathan Eovaldi (Texas Rangers, 2-0, 1.32 ERA) will match up against Framber Valdez (Houston Astros, 0-1, 10.38 ERA) on the mound.
Today's Rangers vs Astros Game 2 Recap will be published tomorrow morning as well, so make sure to come back and check it out!
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