3 consecutive wins after 2 lossesHouston Altuve hits a three-run ninth inning to turn the game around

The Houston Astros are close to advancing to the World Series (WS) with Jose Altuve’s three-run shot in the top of the ninth inning.

Houston beat the Texas Rangers 5-4 in Game 5 of the 2023 Major League American League Championship Series (ALCS, four wins out of seven) at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on the 21st.

Houston, which lost the first and second games in a row, succeeded in turning the series around by winning three games from Game 3 to Game 5. With one more win, he can win a WS ticket.

On the other hand, Texas, which was ahead with two wins first, lost three consecutive games, completely losing its momentum. Now the team on the brink is Texas.

Houston scored the first run with Alex Bregman’s solo shot to left-center in the top of the first inning.

Texas, which was losing 0-1, balanced the game with Nathaniel Lowe’s home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Lowe hit Houston starter Justin Verlander’s 95.4-mile (about 154km) four-seam fastball and crossed the left fence.

Houston, which allowed a tie, immediately ran away in the top of the sixth inning. With one out and runners on first and third bases with a walk and a hit, Jose Abreu hit a heavy hit to Texas starter Jordan Montgomery to score one point.

Then Texas also fought back. 스포츠토토

Corey Seager’s double to right field and Evan Carter’s left-handed hit in the bottom of the sixth inning when he was trailing 1-2. Adolis Garcia, who appeared in the first and third bases with one out, hit Verlander’s 95-mile (about 153km) first-pitch four-seam fastball to draw an upset three-run arch over the left-center fence.

Bench clearing occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning with Texas taking a 4-2 lead.

Garcia, who entered the batter’s box with no outs and runners on first base in the eighth inning, was convinced of a deliberate empty ball when opponent relief pitcher Brian Abreu’s 98.9-mile (about 159km) fastball hit his forearm. Garcia was very angry when he pushed Texas catcher Martin Maldonado, and players from both teams stormed out of the dugout and tangled.

MLB pointed out, “Garcia hit a home run in the sixth inning and watched the ball before going around the base.”

After 12 minutes of suspension due to bench-clearing, Abreu, who threw a hit ball, and Garcia, who was angry after being hit by the ball, were sent off. Houston manager Dusty Baker, who protested, was also sent off.

Houston laughed at the end of the game, which resumed in a chaotic atmosphere.

Houston went on the final offensive with a left-handed hit by leader Yiner Diaz in the top of the ninth inning, which was pushed back to 2-4. Pinch-hitter Joe Singleton followed with a walk.

Altuve, who had a chance with no outs and runners on first and second bases, did not miss the chance. After watching Texas Jose Leclock’s first pitch strike, he rolled up his second changeup, which came in low toward his body. The ball drew an inverted three-run arch over the left fence.

Houston, which had a one-run lead, was driven to first and second bases with no outs by Ryan Pressley in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, Presley then made three consecutive hits to secure the victory.