In the first two games of the American League Championship Series, the Houston Astros’ offense has largely relied on one player, leading to a 2-0 series deficit. However, this standout player is certainly making a significant impact.
Yordan Alvarez heads into ALCS Game 3 on Wednesday with an impressive recent performance at bat. The 26-year-old hitter scored two home runs in Monday’s 5-4 defeat at Minute Maid Park. Since Game 1 of the 2023 ALDS, Alvarez boasts nine hits in 23 at-bats, including two doubles, six home runs, and eight RBI.
Entering the 2023 playoffs, many viewed Alvarez as baseball’s top hitter. His performance over the last six games further strengthens that argument.
Before we look ahead to the crucial Game 3 on Wednesday, it’s worth noting the historical significance of Alvarez’s current power streak. He’s only four home runs away from matching Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena’s record for the most home runs in a single postseason (10). Yet, when focusing on a shorter span, Alvarez might be having the best initial six-game run in postseason history. The Cuban powerhouse is only the sixth MLB player with multiple multi-homer games in one playoff. Furthermore, he joins Giancarlo Stanton from 2020 as the second player to achieve at least six home runs in his team’s first six playoff matches. Alvarez’s offensive prowess is already legendary, and in high-stakes moments, he truly shines.
To reach the Fall Classic for the third consecutive year and the fifth time during its golden age, Houston requires more than just Alvarez’s contributions. Outside of Alvarez, Houston hitters have only managed nine hits in the first two ALCS games against Texas. Excluding Alvarez, only Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman have secured an extra-base hit in the series. Kyle Tucker, another left-handed batter, has a mere two hits in his 22 at-bats this postseason, and Jeremy Peña hasn’t hit a home run since July 5. For a team historically known for its playoff offensive outbursts, Houston’s bats, aside from Alvarez, have been notably silent lately. The Rangers appear unbothered by conceding solo home runs to Alvarez, considering other potential outcomes.
“After Monday’s victory, Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy remarked, “We let in three homers, but they were solo shots, so it’s manageable and keeps our chances of winning alive. Ideally, you’d keep [Alvarez] from hitting home runs, but he’s skilled. He capitalized on a couple of pitches. That’s just the nature of the game. However, when we’re ahead, the last thing I want is to load the bases.”
Maybe a venue switch will rejuvenate Baker’s team. Despite their offensive challenges at Minute Maid Park this season, the Astros have thrived in Arlington. Globe Life Field has practically been a launch site for the Astros against their in-state rivals, the Rangers. In early September, the Astros overwhelmed Texas’s pitchers at Globe Life, delivering a memorable offensive series with 50 hits and 16 runs over three games. Replicating this performance in the upcoming three games could shift the momentum in an ALCS that currently suggests a change in the American League champion.
Alvarez and the Astros are set to play Game 3 on Wednesday night. The first pitch at Globe Life Field is scheduled for 7:03 p.m. CT.