INSIDER
Giancarlo Stanton hits go-ahead homer in the eighth, Yankees beat Royals 3-2 in Game 3 of the ALDS
Read full article: Giancarlo Stanton hits go-ahead homer in the eighth, Yankees beat Royals 3-2 in Game 3 of the ALDSGiancarlo Stanton hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 in Game 3 of their AL Division Series at Kauffman Stadium.
Judge and Rodรณn unable to deliver as Yankees drop Game 2 to Royals in ALDS
Read full article: Judge and Rodรณn unable to deliver as Yankees drop Game 2 to Royals in ALDSTwo games into this postseason, those big-money deals for Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodรณn havenโt paid any October dividends for the New York Yankees.
Tarik Skubal earns 17th win as Tigers beat Royals 4-2
Read full article: Tarik Skubal earns 17th win as Tigers beat Royals 4-2Tarik Skubal allowed three hits over five innings for his 17th win and the streaking Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Wednesday night to move within a half game of a playoff spot.
Skubal strengthens case for AL Cy Young as playoff-chasing Tigers sweep Royals
Read full article: Skubal strengthens case for AL Cy Young as playoff-chasing Tigers sweep RoyalsTarik Skubal allowed three hits over five innings for his 17th win and the streaking Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Wednesday night to move within a half game of a playoff spot.
Wheeler strikes out 8, Castellanos tells Phillies to put a ring on it in 4-1 win over Marlins
Read full article: Wheeler strikes out 8, Castellanos tells Phillies to put a ring on it in 4-1 win over MarlinsZack Wheeler struck out eight and pitched into the seventh inning to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins in the opener of their NL Wild Card Series.
Slugging Abreu joins Astros team looking to repeat as champs
Read full article: Slugging Abreu joins Astros team looking to repeat as champsJosรฉ Abreu has spent his entire nine-year MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, but Astros owner Jim Crane isnโt worried about how the newly signed first baseman will fit in with his teammates in Houston.
Astros' McCormick, Mancini show off glovework, stop Phils
Read full article: Astros' McCormick, Mancini show off glovework, stop PhilsHouston Astros center fielder Chas McCormick and fill-in first baseman Trey Mancini both made key defensive plays in the late innings that helped preserve a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series.
Verlander gets World Series win, Astros lead Phillies 3-2
Read full article: Verlander gets World Series win, Astros lead Phillies 3-2Justin Verlander overcame an early jolt to grit out the World Series win that long eluded him, rookie Jeremy Peรฑa hit a go-ahead home run and the Houston Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 to head home with a 3-2 lead.
Javier, 'pen hold Phils hitless through 8 innings in Game 4
Read full article: Javier, 'pen hold Phils hitless through 8 innings in Game 4Cristian Javier, Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero held the Philadelphia Phillies hitless through eight innings in Game 4 of the World Series, and the Houston Astros led 5-0 after knocking out Aaron Nola in a five-run fifth.
Astros burst ahead, beat Phillies 5-2, tie World Series 1-1
Read full article: Astros burst ahead, beat Phillies 5-2, tie World Series 1-1Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houstonโs lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 to tie the World Series at one game apiece.
Cortes hurt, leaves after tying 3-run HR in ALCS Game 4
Read full article: Cortes hurt, leaves after tying 3-run HR in ALCS Game 4Yankees All-Star pitcher Nestor Cortes left Game 4 of the AL Championship Series with an injured left groin after allowing a three-run homer to Houstonโs Jeremy Pena in the third inning.
Javier, Astros romp 5-0 over Yanks, Cole, take 3-0 ALCS lead
Read full article: Javier, Astros romp 5-0 over Yanks, Cole, take 3-0 ALCS leadCristian Javier and Houstonโs bullpen combined on a three-hitter, Chas McCormick followed a dropped flyball with an early two-run homer and the Astros beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees 5-0 to take a 3-0 AL Championship Series lead.
Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0
Read full article: Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Verlander Ks 11 to lead Astros over Yankees 4-2 in ALCS
Read full article: Verlander Ks 11 to lead Astros over Yankees 4-2 in ALCSJustin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peรฑa all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener.
Braves' Morton hit in elbow by liner, exits NLDS Game 4
Read full article: Braves' Morton hit in elbow by liner, exits NLDS Game 4Atlanta Braves started Charlie Morton lasted only two innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NL Division Series after he was struck on his pitching elbow by a batted ball.
Alvarez hits 3-run HR vs Ray in 9th, Astros jolt M's in ALDS
Read full article: Alvarez hits 3-run HR vs Ray in 9th, Astros jolt M's in ALDSYordan Alvarez smashed a game-ending, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning off Robbie Ray, wrecking Seattleโs strategy of using a Cy Young Award winner in a rare relief role and vaulting the Houston Astros over the Mariners 8-7 in their playoff opener.
Trout HR 6th game in row; Ohtani blister, Angels top Astros
Read full article: Trout HR 6th game in row; Ohtani blister, Angels top AstrosMike Trout homered in his sixth straight game to set an Angels franchise record, Shohei Ohtani threw five solid innings before exiting because of a blister and Los Angeles beat the Houston Astros 6-1.
Verlander exits early, Astros hold on for 3-1 win over O's
Read full article: Verlander exits early, Astros hold on for 3-1 win over O'sJustin Verlander pitched three scoreless innings before departing because of right calf discomfort, and the Houston Astros used five relievers to close out a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Verlander 6 no-hit innings, 16th W; Astros top Correa, Twins
Read full article: Verlander 6 no-hit innings, 16th W; Astros top Correa, TwinsJustin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correaโs return to Houston.
Tucker, Urquidy power Astros past Braves as Ozuna hears boos
Read full article: Tucker, Urquidy power Astros past Braves as Ozuna hears boosAtlanta outfielder Marcell Ozuna was booed by his home fans in his return, Kyle Tucker singled to drive in Yordan Alvarez for the go-ahead run in the eighth, Josรฉ Urquidy won his 12th game, and the Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Astros acquire 1B Mancini from Orioles in 3-team trade
Read full article: Astros acquire 1B Mancini from Orioles in 3-team tradeThe Houston Astros have acquired first baseman Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-team trade that also moved speedy outfielder Jose Siri to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Toro pinch-hits for hurt J-Rod, leads Mariners past Astros
Read full article: Toro pinch-hits for hurt J-Rod, leads Mariners past AstrosAbraham Toro pinch-hit for injured All-Star Julio Rodriguez and delivered a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied past the AL-West leading Houston Astros 5-4.
Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1
Read full article: Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Dรญaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.
Verlander 1st 13-game winner, Astros beat Mariners 3-1
Read full article: Verlander 1st 13-game winner, Astros beat Mariners 3-1Justin Verlander became the major leaguesโ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.
Alvarez homers as Astros down Yankees 7-5 for DH sweep
Read full article: Alvarez homers as Astros down Yankees 7-5 for DH sweepYordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman both homered and the pair combined for five RBIs as the Houston Astros completed a doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees Thursday with a 7-5 win in Game 2.
Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 win
Read full article: Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 winShohei Ohtani won his sixth straight start by striking out 12 in six innings and also hit a two-run triple in the Los Angeles Angelsโ 7-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Javier fans career-high 14 to lead Astros over Angels 8-1
Read full article: Javier fans career-high 14 to lead Astros over Angels 8-1Cristian Javier pitched another gem, striking out a career-high 14 while allowing just one hit in seven innings to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Astros' Tucker tries to steal home amid PitchCom malfunction
Read full article: Astros' Tucker tries to steal home amid PitchCom malfunctionHoustonโs Kyle Tucker was thrown out when he tried to steal home while New York Yankees starter Luis Severino tinkered with his malfunctioning PitchCom device.
Yankees' Judge walks off Astros for 2nd time in 4 days
Read full article: Yankees' Judge walks off Astros for 2nd time in 4 daysAaron Judge drove a three-run homer in the 10th inning for his second walk-off hit against Houston in four days, and the New York Yankees recovered after nearly being no-hit for the second consecutive game, beating Houston 6-3 to split a four-game series between the ALโs best teams.
Astros' Javier, bullpen combine to no-hit Yanks in 3-0 win
Read full article: Astros' Javier, bullpen combine to no-hit Yanks in 3-0 winCristian Javier, Hรฉctor Neris and Ryan Pressly combined on the first no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 19 years, shutting down the best team in baseball and pitching the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory.
Astros 2 immaculate innings, Maldonado 3 RBIs to beat Texas
Read full article: Astros 2 immaculate innings, Maldonado 3 RBIs to beat TexasAstros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning โ nine pitches, three strikeouts โ and Martรญn Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.
Marlins run win streak to 5 with 5-1 win over Astros
Read full article: Marlins run win streak to 5 with 5-1 win over AstrosThe Miami Marlins got a solid start from rookie Braxton Garrett and Jon Berti drove in two runs to help them extend their winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Houston rockets: Astros hit 5 HRs in 2nd, rout Red Sox 13-4
Read full article: Houston rockets: Astros hit 5 HRs in 2nd, rout Red Sox 13-4The Astros tied the MLB record for most home runs in an inning, hitting five off Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi as part of a nine-run second to help Houston rout Boston 13-4.
Ohtani overpowers in 2-way performance, Angels blank Astros
Read full article: Ohtani overpowers in 2-way performance, Angels blank AstrosTwo-way star Shohei Ohtani pitched perfect ball into the sixth inning, tied a career-best with 12 strikeouts and also had two hits and two RBIs to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Houston Astros 6-0.
World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie Series
Read full article: World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie SeriesRookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.
The Latest: Siri sparks Astros; Houston evens series at 1-1
Read full article: The Latest: Siri sparks Astros; Houston evens series at 1-1Rookie Josรฉ Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 7-2 to even the World Series at one game apiece.
Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1
Read full article: Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.
Correa's time: Late HR helps Astros top Bosox in ALCS opener
Read full article: Correa's time: Late HR helps Astros top Bosox in ALCS openerCarlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.
Garcรญa, Grandal shine as White Sox beat Astros 12-6 in ALDS
Read full article: Garcรญa, Grandal shine as White Sox beat Astros 12-6 in ALDSLeury Garcรญa and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Grandalโs borderline baserunning helped the Chicago White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 to stay alive in their AL Division Series.
Correa, Alvarez help Astros take 2-0 lead over Sox in ALDS
Read full article: Correa, Alvarez help Astros take 2-0 lead over Sox in ALDSCarlos Correa hit a two-run double during Houstonโs five-run seventh inning, and the Astros beat the Chicago White Sox 9-4 for a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series.
With MVPs out, new stars set to shine in MLB postseason
Read full article: With MVPs out, new stars set to shine in MLB postseasonWith Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.
Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust season
Read full article: Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust seasonTrea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houstonโs Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.
Rays clinch top seed in AL playoffs, stall Astros in West
Read full article: Rays clinch top seed in AL playoffs, stall Astros in WestDrew Rasmussen and three relievers combined for a three-hitter, Brandon Lowe and Ji-Man Choi both homered and the Tampa Bay Rays coasted past the Houston Astros 7-0, giving them the No. 1 seed in the American League playoffs.
Astros move closer, beat Angels in 12; Ohtani out at plate
Read full article: Astros move closer, beat Angels in 12; Ohtani out at plateJose Altuve hit a two-run double in the 12th inning and the Houston Astros, after throwing out Shohei Ohtani at the plate to preserve a tie, broke away to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 9-5.
Cronenworth homers in 9th, Padres win; Stanek, Astros tumble
Read full article: Cronenworth homers in 9th, Padres win; Stanek, Astros tumbleJake Cronenworth hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Houston Astros 4-3 to take two of three from the AL West leaders.
Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over Astros
Read full article: Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over AstrosTy France tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning and put the Seattle Mariners on top with an RBI single in the 11th before Kyle Seager belted a three-run homer in a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat Astros
Read full article: Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat AstrosMax Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium.
LA fans don't waste time jeering Astros at Dodger Stadium
Read full article: LA fans don't waste time jeering Astros at Dodger StadiumLos Angeles Dodgers fans waited a long time to let Josรฉ Altuve and the Houston Astros know just how they felt about possibly being cheated out of a 2017 World Series championship.
Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat Giants
Read full article: Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat GiantsJosรฉ Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 in a matchup of baseballโs top two teams.
Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11
Read full article: Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros beat Texas 4-1, sending the Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss.
Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs Astros
Read full article: Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs AstrosYankees ace Gerrit Cole demanded on the mound that manager Aaron Boone let him get the final out, then struck out Yordan Alvarez with a 99 mph fastball on his career-high 129th pitch to cap the New York Yankeesโ 1-0 win over the Houston Astros.
Altuve slam in 10th lifts Astros over Rangers on Baker B-day
Read full article: Altuve slam in 10th lifts Astros over Rangers on Baker B-dayJose Altuve belted a grand slam in the 10th inning and the Houston Astros, saved by Carlos Correaโs tying homer in the ninth, beat the Texas Rangers 6-3 to give manager Dusty Baker quite an exciting birthday gift.
Tatis tying HR in 9th, Myers HR in 12th, Padres beat Astros
Read full article: Tatis tying HR in 9th, Myers HR in 12th, Padres beat AstrosFernando Tatis Jr. launched a monstrous, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning to tie it, Wil Myers hit a three-run drive in the 12th and the San Diego Padres beat the Houston Astros 11-8.
Ohtani, McCullers duel into late innings, Astros beat Angels
Read full article: Ohtani, McCullers duel into late innings, Astros beat AngelsShohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angelsโ bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1.
Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to Bronx
Read full article: Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to BronxBoos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astrosโ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.
Gomber lifts Rockies 6-3, Astros' 9th loss in 10 games
Read full article: Gomber lifts Rockies 6-3, Astros' 9th loss in 10 gamesAustin Gomber got his first victory for the Colorado Rockies, allowing two hits over six innings to beat the Astros 6-3 on a wintry afternoon and send Houston to its ninth loss in 10 games.
Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finish
Read full article: Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finishTrevor Williams went five innings in his fourth start, allowing a run on three hits. Austin Gomber made his fourth start for Colorado, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. Dylan Cease made his second start, allowing three hits and three walks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Boyd made his fourth start, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in four innings, striking out five. Tyler Anderson went five innings in his fourth start for Pittsburgh, giving up one run on two hits.
Amazin' at-bat: Mets' Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs Hicks
Read full article: Amazin' at-bat: Mets' Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs HicksโI donโt even think Iโve had a 13 pitch at-bat in my career.โHicks was scheduled to pitch one inning. Carlos Martรญnez worked four innings in the start for St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits. Pittsburgh starter Steven Brault allowed three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings. YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1New York starter Deivi Garcรญa gave up one hit and an unearned run in three innings. Dean Kremer allowed a run on three hits, walked two and struck out four in the start for Baltimore.
Springer, Valdรฉz help Astros top Rays 7-4, force ALCS Game 7
Read full article: Springer, Valdรฉz help Astros top Rays 7-4, force ALCS Game 7George Springer and Josรฉ Altuve delivered big hits, Framber Valdรฉz pitched six brilliant innings and the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the third straight time, 7-4 Friday to force a deciding Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Despite blowing a 3-0 series lead, they remain one win from the second World Series in franchise history โ and one loss from joining the 2004 Yankees in ignominy. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houstonโs Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He has yet to win a World Series as a manager. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win four straight World Series games in 1981 after falling behind the New York Yankees 0-2.
Altuve's 2 early throwing errors doom Astros in ALCS Game 2
Read full article: Altuve's 2 early throwing errors doom Astros in ALCS Game 2โWe were down 0-2 in the World Series last year with (ALCS Game 3 starter) Josรฉ Urquidy and (ALCS Game 4 starter Zack) Greinke coming up next to pitch for us,โ shortstop Carlos Correa said. The Astros have made three errors in two games, while the Rays have played sparkling defense all across the diamond. Iโm sure heโll do that.โAfter the second error, Correa moved into the spot normally occupied by Altuve in the shift. Altuve's first error put the Astros in a hole they never escaped, even with a superb start from McCullers. After getting nine hits and just one run in Game 1, the Astros ended their 13-inning scoreless streak with Correa's homer.
Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over Astros
Read full article: Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over AstrosAsked which was bigger in the 4-2 victory against the Houston Astros, Margot said through a translator: โDefinitely the home run. He played one game in right field in 2016 and the rest of his time in San Diego was spent in center. โTo have the ability to know where youโre at, and kind of be able to say, โForget it, I know Iโm going to hit something but Iโm going in,โ and still hang on to the ball, was really, really impressive,โ manager Kevin Cash said. It was an unbelievable play that he made on the right field line, putting himself in a dangerous place. โEverybody is really, really supportive of him and just so happy for what he's accomplished.โMorton improved to 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in the last two postseasons.
Astros' big bats go silent in ALCS opener loss to Tampa Bay
Read full article: Astros' big bats go silent in ALCS opener loss to Tampa BayThe Houston Astros watch the top of the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of a baseball American League Championship Series, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in San Diego. Tampa Bay limited the Astros' star-studded lineup to nine hits โ but just one for extra bases โ in the Rays' 2-1 victory to open the ALCS at Petco Park on Sunday night. The Astros got no more big hits against Blake Snell and the Rays' justifiably vaunted bullpen. Itโs much too early in the series for the Astros to feel anything is wrong with their offense. The Astros scored first in all four games against Oakland in the ALDS, and they did it again in Game 1 of the ALCS.
Arozarena homers again, Rays beat Astros 2-1 in ALCS opener
Read full article: Arozarena homers again, Rays beat Astros 2-1 in ALCS openerCastillo had thrown 29 pitches Friday night in the 2-1 win against the New York Yankees that clinched the AL Division Series. Houston, which got into the playoffs with a 29-31 record, is in the ALCS for the fourth straight season and is trying to advance to the World Series for the third time in that span. The Astros are villains in many peopleโs eyes for their sign-stealing scandal three years ago, when they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Tampa Bay is trying to reach its second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. Rays: Morton got the decision in the Raysโ 8-4 win against the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS.
Pinder's HR helps rally A's past Astros 9-7, trail ALDS 2-1
Read full article: Pinder's HR helps rally A's past Astros 9-7, trail ALDS 2-1Oakland Athletics' Chad Pinder, right, celebrates with manager Bob Melvin after the Athletics defeated the Houston Astros in Game 3 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. And just in case Laureano's words did not get the message across, he ripped a double as the A's got a pair of sacrifice flies in the eighth to rally past the Houston Astros 9-7 on Wednesday and avoid elimination in their AL Division Series. โIt was awesome.โHouston leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and can advance to its fourth straight AL Championship Series with a victory in Game 4 on Thursday. Pinder hit a first-pitch slider to the opposite field for Oakland's fifth homer, a drive chased by right fielder Kyle Tucker until he ran out of room at the short wall. Houston took a 7-4 lead with five runs in the fifth, when the Astros sent 10 batters to the plate.
Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener
Read full article: Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS openerHouston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, celebrates with George Springer after they defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ A home run derby broke out during a hot, dry day at Dodger Stadium, and suddenly the Houston Astros have their swing and swagger back. โWhen you get the leadoff guy (Springer) getting on base every single time, good things are going to happen. Altuve's line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. Chris Bassitt put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on in the fifth with back-to-back singles by Springer and Altuve.
Yuli Gurriel takes pay cut to $7M to stay with Astros
Read full article: Yuli Gurriel takes pay cut to $7M to stay with AstrosHouston Astros' Jose Altuve rounds third on his way home, scoring on a Yuli Gurriel single in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)HOUSTON โ First baseman Yuli Gurriel and the Houston Astros have agreed to a one-year contract with an option for 2022 that guarantees $7 million, a cut of nearly 20% from his 2020 deal. Gurrielโs 2020 contract called for an $8.3 million salary and wound up being worth $3,074,074 prorated. He also would get $50,000 for becoming an All-Star, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP, $100,000 for Word Series MVP, $200,000 for league MVP, $100,000 for second and $50,000 for third. Gurriel would have been eligible for free agency under a provision in his 2020 contract, even though he does not have the six years of major league service usually required.
Astros clinch final AL playoff spot despite loss to Rangers
Read full article: Astros clinch final AL playoff spot despite loss to Rangers(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Houston clinched the final spot in the expanded American League playoffs when the Los Angeles Angels lost about two hours after the Astros fell 5-4 to the Texas Rangers in 10 innings Friday night. Houston, which already had its three-year reign atop the division ended by Oakland, currently is the only AL playoff team without a winning record. The Angels' 9-5 loss to the Dodgers made Houston's Dusty Baker the first manager to lead five different franchises to the playoffs. UP NEXTThe Astros were waiting for the LA outcome to decide who would start the third game in the four-game series to finish the regular season. RHP Kyle Gibson (2-6, 5.87 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Rangers.
Trout sets franchise HR mark, Angels rally to beat Astros
Read full article: Trout sets franchise HR mark, Angels rally to beat AstrosOne out later, Adell lined a two-run single to right off Enoli Paredes (1-2) for his first game-ending hit. Kyle Tucker homered and drove in three runs for the Astros, who lost in walk-off fashion for the second straight game. With two outs and runners on second and third, Martin Maldonado hit a two-run single to right-center. After Yuli Gurriel's two-run single in the third, Tucker extended the lead to 4-1 with a run-scoring infield single. It is the seventh game to start with triple-digit temperatures since the ballpark opened in 1966.