Arr, the Rangers be gatherin' round, as Jordan Montgomery be settin' sail with a brilliant start, claimin' victory against the Astros in the ALCS Game 1.
2023-10-16
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs! The Texas Rangers plundered Game 1 of the ALCS from the Houston Astros, thanks to a fine display o' pitching by the swashbuckler Jordan Montgomery on Sunday night at Minute Maid Park.
The Texas Rangers triumphed over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) with a score of 2-0. Jordan Montgomery, a valuable trade acquisition for the Rangers, proved his worth as he pitched an outstanding game against the powerful Astros offense. Montgomery threw 6.1 innings, allowing no runs and five hits while striking out six batters. His postseason ERA now stands at an impressive 2.08, setting the tone for the road team in this crucial matchup.Due to Montgomery's stellar performance, the Rangers didn't require much offensive firepower to secure the victory. Catcher Jonah Heim started the scoring by singling home Evan Carter in the early stages of the game. Later, in the top of the fifth inning, center fielder Leody Taveras, the ninth hitter in the Rangers' lineup, homered off Astros starter Justin Verlander, extending their lead.
Verlander lasted 6.2 innings, giving up the two earned runs on six hits and two walks while recording five strikeouts. However, the Astros' bullpen couldn't match the Rangers' pitching prowess, allowing no further runs and preserving the shutout.
Notably, some of Houston's star players struggled in the game. Yordan Alvarez struck out three times in an 0-for-4 night, while Jose Altuve went 0-for-3 with a walk. Kyle Tucker, who has been struggling throughout the postseason, also went hitless in four at-bats.
The Rangers have been on a winning streak this postseason, maintaining their momentum from a clean sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Division Series (ALDS) and two victories in the Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Rays. They will aim to continue their success in Game 2 with Nathan Eovaldi on the mound, facing off against the Astros' Framber Valdez.