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3 compelling factors that could make all the difference for Astros in Game 2

Astros Yordan Alvarez
Yordan Alvarez was the difference in Game 1.Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images
JJ - Yordan DH

The Astros sure know how to keep you on your toes! They pulled off an improbable comeback beating the Mariners 8-7 thanks to a walk-off homer by Yordan Alvarez. Down 7-5, bottom of the ninth inning with Christian Vazquez, Mauricio Dubon, and Jose Altuve due up. Vazquez grounded out to short, David Hensley pinch hit for Dubon and got on with a hit-by-pitch. Jake Meyers pinch ran for Hensley. Altuve struck out swinging. That is where I got nervous. Sure, he's had a rough go of it, but Altuve is still a professional hitter. Clutch situations are his thing. From there, it got really good. Especially considering the future of this franchise.

Jeremy Peña came up with two outs and singled to center moving Meyers over to second base. That set the stage for Alvarez's massive 438-foot homer to send fans home happy! This was the first time in 49 tries that the Astros have come back after trailing in the eighth inning or later by multiple runs. It was also the first walk-off homer in postseason history with a team trailing by multiple runs. With those significant firsts, it's still only the second walk-off homer with a team down to its final out. The other was pretty significant as well: Kirk Gibson's game one walk-off in the 1988 World Series.

While it's awesome to see all this happen, it wouldn't have been necessary if Justin Verlander pitched better, or if the bats woke up earlier. I remember when "fans" were saying they were nervous about this Mariners team. Mariners honks made shirts saying they're a problem, mocking the infamous statement associated with Houston. Well guess what? SUCK IT! That team needs to know its role and shut their mouths! Astros OWN the AL West and rent is past due!

3 factors to watch for in Game 2

1) In game two of this series, the Mariners will send Luis Castillo to the mound. He had an 8-6 record with a 2.99 ERA this season. On away games, he's 4-5 with a 3.29 ERA. He has the pleasure of trying to match up against Framber Valdez. He with a 17-6 record and 2.82 ERA. One could argue Framber should be in the Cy Young discussion this season over game one starter Justin Verlander. I mean, he set a record (25) for most consecutive quality starts (six or more innings, allowing three or less runs) this year. So there's that.

2) Keep in mind: that comeback was no accident. The Mariners' bullpen throws sliders 44% of the time. That's the highest rate in MLB. If Framber can deliver another quality start or something close to it, the bats should get to Castillo. If not, they can attack that bullpen again. I fully expect Astros' manager Dusty Baker to continue pulling all the right strings in game two. He led this team to 106 wins this season, despite many calls for his head.

3) Another thing to look at is the Mariners' record against the Astros this season. At a paltry 7-12 with a run differential of -8, I don't think there's much to be scared of. Do they play the Astros tough? They sure do. Should Astro fans be worried? Absolutely not. When your team is more talented and your manager makes all the right moves, there's not much to be worried about. Highly doubt they pitch to Yordan again in a high leverage situation. That's fine because someone else will step up. Astros in three.

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CultureMap's signature event The Tailgate (shown here in 2023) is coming back for 2024. Photo by Marco Torres / @MarcoFromHouston

CultureMap is gearing up for the exciting return of The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit.

For the event’s third year, we’re partying in EaDo at 8th Wonder. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11, and tickets are already on sale.

Attendees can look forward to sports-inspired bites from some of their favorite Houston restaurants, premium cocktails, memorabilia from Texas legends, and plenty more game-day fun.

Popular Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite. Participants include:

  • 1891 American Eatery & Bar
  • Big City Wings
  • Comfort Foodies
  • The Halal Guys
  • J Bar M
  • Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
  • Kokoro
  • Layne's Chicken Fingers
  • Loro
  • Mainely Sandwiches
  • Pizaro's Pizza
  • Ramen Tatsu-Ya
  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company
  • Southern Jerks
  • Stuff'd Wings
  • Taste Kitchen + Bar
  • Thai Tail
  • The Waffle Bus
  • Uchi
  • Uchiko Houston

Attendees can look forward to food from favorite Houston restaurants and premium cocktails.Photo by Marco Torres / @MarcoFromHouston

Following up on the success of last year’s Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown, we’ll soon be asking readers to vote for their favorite wing joint of 2024. Our editors have put together a list of 16 candidates that will go head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament we're calling the Ultimate Wing Showdown. Your winner will be revealed at the party.

The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the Texans, which will raffle off a CJ Stroud-signed White Panel Football. The Astros will show off their Shooting Stars dancers as well as the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies, and their Shuttle Crew team will bring prizes. Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash will raffle team-signed jerseys.

Attendees can expect more fun, games, and prizes courtesy of our event sponsors and local vendors, including Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen+Main, Shipley Do-nuts, and more.

Fan favorite Astros broadcaster Julia Morales will be there with her cult favorite apparel line, Shop Baseball, Y'all.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $35 for general admission (regularly $50) and $60 for VIP (regularly $75).

All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with one of Houston's top athletes, and more perks for an elevated experience.

Head here to buy your tickets now.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen+Main, Shipley Do-nuts and more to be announced.

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