Houston is heading back to the ALCS
Astros headed to ALCS after offensive explosion in ALDS Game 4
Oct 8, 2020, 6:21 pm
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Carlos Correa celebrates a go-ahead three-run home run in ALDS Game 4
After taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series with wins in games one and two, the Astros suffered their first loss of the 2020 postseason in ALDS Game 3 on Wednesday. With uncertainty about who would start the game on the mound for the Astros, Zack Greinke would end up making a start in Game 4 as Houston tried again to put the A's away.
They would indeed finish the series win, thanks to outslugging Oakland in another homer-heavy affair and winning 11-6. They advance to the ALCS for the fourth-straight year in their quest for the franchise's second World Series victory. Here are highlights from the game:
Final Score: Astros 11, A's 6.
Series: HOU wins 3-1.
Winning Pitcher: Cristian Javier.
Losing Pitcher: Frankie Montas.
Laureano homers off Greinke, twice
After waiting until Thursday morning to be sure, it was Zack Greinke who Dusty Baker handed the ball to in Game 4. After a quick first inning, the A's quickly put stress on him, getting back-to-back one-out singles to set up a three-run home run by Ramón Laureano to put Oakland up 3-0 quickly.
Razor Ramón gives the @Athletics an early lead. pic.twitter.com/9GBgCNmEL8
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2020
Greinke refocused, allowing just one baserunner in the next eight at-bats, finishing the fourth inning. He returned for the fifth but was met with another home run by Laureano, a solo shot. He would get two more outs before issuing a two-out walk, prompting Dusty Baker to make a move to bring in Blake Taylor to complete the inning. Greinke's final line: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 76 P.
Brantley and Correa lead an offensive explosion
Greinke would exit with a lead despite those runs allowed, though, thanks to a big fourth inning by his offense. It started with a leadoff walk by Jose Altuve, setting up a two-run shot by Michael Brantley. Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker hit back-to-back singles in the next two at-bats, getting on base for a crushed 427-foot, go-ahead three-run bomb by Carlos Correa.
Launched our way out front. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/dH2ve6WLFI
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 8, 2020
They extended their lead by a large margin in the next two innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Brantley would hit his second homer of the day to lead off the inning before an RBI-single by Correa to make it 7-4. Then, in the bottom of the sixth, Kyle Tucker would get his second RBI of the series, followed by Correa's fifth of the game, both on two-out singles to make it a five-run game at 9-4.
Houston advances to ALCS
Cristian Javier took over on the mound in the top of the sixth, striking out the side for a 1-2-3 inning. He returned in the seventh and worked around two two-out hits to keep it a five-run game. Jose Altuve made it a seven-run game with his bat in the bottom of the inning, getting in on the home run parade with a two-run shot to make it 11-4.
ANOTHER HOMER.
The @Astros are pulling away. #ALDS pic.twitter.com/Kvjprs6iK6
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2020
Javier remained in the game with the big lead, but after allowing a double and hitting a batter, would be taken out with one out in favor of Enoli Paredes. Paredes would get the final two outs of the inning and strand both runners. Still 11-4 in the top of the ninth, the Astros took no chances, bringing in closer Ryan Pressly. He would get through the inning despite allowing two runs, wrapping up the win and the series for Houston, who have been in every ALCS since 2017.
Up Next: The Astros will have a couple of days off before starting up the ALCS, with Game 1 on Sunday. They will face the winner of the Yankees / Rays ALDS, with starters and times TBD.
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When the Texans take the field against KC this Saturday, there's a lot more on the line than just playoff seating. The Texans have several things to prove this week against the NFL's elite.
For instance, the Texans haven't beaten a quality team on the road all season, with communication issues on the offensive line often causing problems. If Houston wants to be a legit contender, they have to show they can play with the big boys on the road.
Speaking of which, despite already locking up their division, the Texans typically don't crack the Top 10 in power rankings. They are very much viewed as a team that's good enough to win a weak division, and nothing more.
A win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs would make a statement. That would mean the Texans would have beaten both Mahomes and MVP favorite Josh Allen in the same season.
And let's face it, these are the types of teams the Texans will have to defeat in the postseason if they want to contend for a conference championship.
*Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap breaks it all down!
Game Preview: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Texans passing offense
C.J. Stroud continues to impress with his ability to make big plays, particularly on scramble drills and broken plays. However, consistent pressure has been an issue, with Stroud taking four sacks last week against the Dolphins. This marks the seventh time this season he’s been sacked four or more times. Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones, known for his elite disruptive ability, could create significant problems.
Texans run game
Running back Joe Mixon started the season strong, rushing for over 100 yards in five of his first six games. However, his recent performances have been less effective, with fewer than 47 rushing yards in three of his last five outings. Mixon was held to just 26 yards on the ground against the Dolphins, which raises questions about his ability to bounce back against a Chiefs defense that has been dominant lately.
Chiefs defense
Kansas City's defense has been on a tear, holding opponents to under 18 points in three straight games. Last week, they recorded four interceptions, five sacks, and 11 QB hits against the Browns. While the Chiefs’ secondary has been opportunistic, their pass rush could be the deciding factor, particularly if they exploit Houston's shaky pass protection.
Texans defense
The Texans’ defense has been solid in recent weeks, holding opponents to under 21 points in three of their last four games. They'll need to keep that momentum going against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. While Kansas City allowed no sacks last week, they faced significant pressure, something Houston will need to replicate to disrupt Mahomes' rhythm.
What does Vegas think?
The Chiefs are favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 42 points.
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*ChatGPT assisted with this content.