IT COMES DOWN TO THIS
How Astros postseason showdown distills into two make-or-break categories
Oct 5, 2023, 7:07 pm
Astros, Twins postseason showdown distills into 2 MAKE-OR-BREAK categories
With the Minnesota Twins set to play the Houston Astros in the ALDS at Minute Maid Park this weekend, two big factors will play a role in the outcome of the series.
Home runs and strikeouts. The Twins have hit the most home runs in the American League this season (tied with the Rangers), but they have also struck out more than any other team in 2023.
However, the Twins have also struck out more batters than any pitching staff in baseball.
Something will have to give, as the Astros have struck out at the lowest clip of any team that qualified for the postseason.
So as you watch this series play out, keep an eye on the strikeouts and dingers as they could be the keys to victory.
Plus, which player will have the better series? Carlos Correa or Jeremy Pena?
Be sure to watch the video above for the full preview of the ALDS!
Editor's note: The Twins have announced Baily Ober will start Game 1, not Joe Ryan as was initially expected.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.