Randy Arozarena and the Rays are one win away from the World Series after winning ALCS Game 3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) More.
MUST-SEE MOMENT( S).
In a series where defense is having such a huge impact, the Rays are relatively making every play– a lot of them with absolutely no space for error. The catch by Kevin Kiermaier was especially quite, but there was a playlist of gems.
You just cant provide your challengers additional outs in the postseason. Its real whether youre playing the top-ranked Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS– or anyone actually..
The Houston Astros, and their existing 0-3 situation, have learned that lesson the hard method. Now theyre one loss far from going home and the Rays are on the cusp of the World Series after a 5-2 win in Game 3.
For the second straight video game, a José Altuve throwing mistake resulted in a Rays rally that the Astros couldnt overcome. In Game 2, a bad Altuve toss led to a three-run homer in the first inning. In Game 3, it was even worse.
This time, Altuve misfired a ball to second base in the 6th inning and what followed was a five-run rally Houston never recovered from. Even worse: The Astros were leading at the time, intending to acquire a little footing in this series. That a person run actually came off the bat of Altuve in the very first inning. Thats not going to make him feel any better.
WHAT THEYLL BE TALKING ABOUT.
Are Altuves sudden throwing problems some sort of karmic retribution coming against the Astros? It sounds silly, but this is a sport that believes in the Baseball Gods, not stepping on chalk lines and not speaking with pitchers when theyre tossing a no-hitter.
Even if its not karma, you can wager there are 29 other fanbases around MLB rooting for the postseason death of baseballs biggest bad guys in years.
Story continues.
The Rays hitting a homer after a tossing error like they carried out in Game 2, thats bad. But the sting just lasts a minute. This sixth-inning Astros collapse simply would not disappear..
Like many great Rays postseason things, this started with Randy Arozarena getting a hit. Brandon Lowe was up next, but Altuve tossed away the possible double play. The Astros brought in reliever Enoli Paredes, who had actually been pristine up until now this postseason. But hes a rookie who made the jump from Double-A to the majors this season and it revealed. He permitted successive hits– the second of which was a two-run single by Joey Wendle to provide the Rays a 2-1 lead..
WHATS NEXT?
Requiring a win, the Astros will send veteran Zack Greinke to the hill. The Astros handled to win both video games, however are dealing with a harder opposition against the Rays.
Tyler Glasnow is the primary factor Houston needs a great outing from Greinke. The Rays right-hander has actually permitted two home runs in each of his two postseason begins, hes managed to limit damage by racking up key strikeouts. Through 13 1/3 postseason getaways, hes set out 20 batters, consisting of a Rays playoff record 10 in ALDS Game 2 against the Yankees.
Its win now or go home for Houston.
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After a sac bunt, Paredes then struck the next two betters to bring home another run. Brooks Raley came out of the bullpen, but Hunter Renfroe was up next and brought home 2 runs with a double..
All while Altuve stood by, his facial expression asking for mercy.
One thing thats eliminated the Astros in this series has been leaving runners on base. Absolutely nothing harmed more than the eighth inning, as the heart of the Astros turned up and they managed to fill the bases. Again, the Rays got the plays they needed. Kyle Tucker flew out to the right field, where Renfroe made a fantastic catch and prevented the Astros from tagging to score. Then Yuli Gurriel grounded out to end the danger.
It served to prove the overarching style of the series: The Rays apparently make every play they need to. The Astros cant state the very same.
For the second straight game, a José Altuve throwing mistake led to a Rays rally that the Astros could not overcome. The Rays striking a homer after a throwing mistake like they did in Game 2, thats bad. The Astros managed to win both games, however are facing a tougher challenger versus the Rays. The Rays right-hander has actually permitted two home runs in each of his 2 postseason begins, hes managed to restrict damage by racking up key strikeouts. Through 13 1/3 postseason trips, hes struck out 20 batters, consisting of a Rays playoff record 10 in ALDS Game 2 versus the Yankees.
