Houston needs a win to advance
ALWC Game 2 Preview: Astros vs. Twins
Sep 29, 2020, 9:48 pm
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Astros Correa, Springer, Tucker
It took all nine innings, but the Astros rallied late and took Game 1 by a score of 4-1 and are in the driver's seat in this best-of-three series. They'll return to Target Field, home of the Twins, on Wednesday afternoon to try and get the win and advance to the ALDS. Here's what you need to know about Game 2:
Game Facts
When: Wednesday, 12:08 PM Central
Where: Target Field - Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: ESPN 2
Streaming: ESPN App
Pitching Matchup: Jose Urquidy+ vs. José Berríos.
Series: HOU leads 1-0.
Series Schedule
| Date & Time (Central) | Location | Pitching Matchup | |
| Game 1 | Astros 4, Twins 1 | Target Field, Minneapolis | Greinke vs. Maeda |
| Game 2 | Wed 9/30, 12:08 PM | Target Field, Minneapolis | Urquidy+ vs. Berríos |
| Game 3* | Thu 10/1, 12:08 PM | Target Field, Minneapolis | McCullers Jr.+ vs. Pineda+ |
* If necessary.
+ Projected starters.
Game Storylines
Houston's offense has to get going earlier
The Twins' error in the ninth inning in Game 1 was a gift for the Astros that they were able to take advantage of and score the winning runs. It's unlikely to be handed another chance like that in the postseason, so in Game 2, it's paramount that Houston creates their own opportunities at the plate.
The good news is, every batter in the lineup was able to reach base in the first game, either by hit or walk. However, they would go 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position while leaving nine on base during the game. Because they can't expect to have two pitchers to combine for a one-run game on Wednesday, they will have to carry over the momentum from the end of Game 1 into Game 2 to build a lead their bullpen can carry.
Trust your arms to navigate through
Whether it's Jose Urquidy, who is the likely candidate, or anyone else who ends up starting Wednesday's game, the Astros have to be prepared to have a longer stretch of innings filled by their bullpen. Despite his struggles to end the regular season, Greinke did well only to allow one run to the Twins over his four innings in Game 1.
You should expect a similar outcome in Game 2, where hopefully your starter can hold the Twins at bay for as long as they can before needing to make the change to relievers. It will be interesting to see how Dusty Baker plays that situation, mostly dependent on the score at the time, as he could have someone like Cristian Javier come in for multiple innings. The only thing the Astros shouldn't do is fire too many of their bullets and put their chances in a potential Game 3 at risk.
Be sure to check SportsMap after the final out for an in-depth recap of the game, and follow me on Twitter for updates and reactions throughout each playoff game: @ChrisCampise
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
3 key factors that fueled Houston Rockets' bounce-back win over Spurs
Oct 29, 2024, 9:38 am
The Houston Texans have a short week ahead of them as they head to the East Coast to play the New York Jets this Thursday, Halloween night.
The Jets are coming off a disappointing loss to the lowly Patriots, while the Texans came away with a costly win, as Stefon Diggs injured his knee and may miss a significant amount of time.
With Nico Collins also still out, the Texans may have to rely on Joe Mixon and the running game this week. But the Jets are fully aware Houston has struggled to protect CJ Stroud, so Mixon won't be sneaking up on their talented defense.
Even though the Jets lost to the Patriots, they were able to hold running back Rhamondre Stevenson to 48 yards on 20 carries. Stevenson was able to score 2 TDs against the Jets, however.
Things are getting heated
New York is getting crushed in the media this week for slipping to 2-6 against the Pats, so the Texans should have their hands full with an angry team looking to make a statement on national television. One factor to keep in mind is that the Jets knocked Patriots QB Drake Maye out with a concussion.
Let's not forget, they also knocked Stroud out with a concussion as a rookie last year. So this is a physical defense that shouldn't be taken lightly.
X-factors
Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein has struggled recently, and that continued on Sunday as he missed two more kicks. Houston should definitely have the advantage in the kicking game with Ka'imi Fairbairn.
The Texans defense looked terrific against the Colts this week, but they haven't been as dominant on the road. QB Anthony Richardson missed some throws downfield that could have gone for touchdowns with better QB play.
If Aaron Rodgers is able to connect on those opportunities, it could spell trouble for the Texans. And when it comes to playmakers, the Jets are loaded with Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall.
What does Vegas think?
The Jets are favored by a point at home, and the total is set at 42.
Don't miss the video above as we examine some of the most important matchups to watch this week!
_______________
Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.