Houston is a win away from advancing to ALCS
Springer, Valdez lift Astros to ALDS Game 2 win, lead series 2-0
Oct 6, 2020, 6:32 pm
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
George Springer celebrates one of two home runs in ALDS Game 2
After doubling up the A's 10-5 in Game 1 to start the series 1-0, the Astros returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to try and take a commanding 2-0 lead by staying undefeated in the postseason. Here are the highlights from ALDS Game 2:
Final Score: Astros 5, A's 2.
Series: HOU leads 2-0.
Winning Pitcher: Framber Valdez.
Losing Pitcher: Sean Manaea.
The balls keep flying out of Dodger Stadium
The baseball continued to fly out of Dodger Stadium surprisingly well in ALDS Game 2, as found out by George Springer, who followed a ball off the bat of Khris Davis over the center-field wall in the bottom of the second to give Oakland a 1-0 lead. Luckily for the Astros, they were able to take advantage themselves, as Springer would launch one of his own, a two-run dinger with two outs in the top of the third to give Houston their first lead of the day at 2-1.
#SpringerDinger for the lead. pic.twitter.com/i9JKFVqsra
— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2020
Michael Brantley led the top of the fourth off with a double, moved to third on a one-out Kyle Tucker single, then scored on an RBI-groundout by Carlos Correa. That made it a two-run game at 3-2, though Chad Pinder would cut it back to one run with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning.
Springer homers again while Valdez impresses again
In the top of the fifth, Martin Maldonado would knock Sean Manaea out of the game with a one-out solo homer to make it a two-run game again at 4-2. Oakland would bring in Yusmeiro Petit, who Springer would meet with his second home run of the game on the at-bat's first pitch, pushing the lead to 5-2.
What we knew: Astros landed on the moon. #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/coUa2vu2yC
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 6, 2020
Meanwhile, Framber Valdez was again proving himself to be the best starter the Astros have going right now. Besides the two solo home runs, he limited the A's to just three other hits while walking only one batter over seven impressive innings. His final line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 2 HR, 103 P.
Houston's in the driver's seat
That left six outs for Houston's bullpen to cover and hold on to the three-run lead. After two perfect innings in Game 1, Enoli Paredes would make it back-to-back days on the mound in relief and retire Oakland 1-2-3 in the bottom of the eighth.
In the bottom of the ninth, still 5-2, Ryan Pressly came in for the chance at another save against the top of Oakland's lineup. After a shaky start to the inning, Pressly would erase a leadoff single, finishing off the win which put the Astros ahead 2-0 in the best-of-five ALDS.
Up Next: ALDS Game 3 will start a bit earlier on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 2:35 PM Central. The Astros will play as the home team, while the A's will switch to batting first as visitors. Neither team has announced their starters for Games 3 or beyond.
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The NFL has released its full 2025 regular season schedule, and the Houston Texans are no longer flying under the radar. The league is rewarding Houston with four nationally televised games, including two prime-time Monday Night Football matchups, a Thursday night showdown with the Bills, and a late-season Sunday night contest against the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.
GET READY FOR THE SHOW 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hRVqP1CIjq
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 15, 2025
Here's a breakdown of the Texans' full 2025 slate and what to watch for:
2025 Houston Texans Regular Season Schedule
Week 1 – at Rams
Sunday, 3:25 PM CT
Houston opens the season on the road in Los Angeles, a marquee afternoon slot against an NFC contender.
Week 2 – vs. Buccaneers
Monday Night Football, 6:00 PM CT
The Texans return home to a national audience in Week 2, hosting Tampa Bay under the lights at NRG Stadium.
Week 3 – at Jaguars
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
An early AFC South test on the road in Jacksonville, where divisional stakes are always high.
Week 4 – vs. Titans
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
Houston faces a familiar foe, looking to assert dominance in the South.
Week 5 – at Ravens
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
A rematch of last season’s playoff clash, the Texans head to Baltimore for one of their toughest road games.
Week 6 – Bye Week
A well-placed midseason break as Houston gears up for a rugged stretch ahead.
Week 7 – at Seahawks
Monday Night Football, 9:00 PM CT
Another prime-time moment for Houston as they travel to Seattle for a late-night showdown.
Week 8 – vs. 49ers
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
The 49ers visit NRG in a heavyweight NFC-AFC battle, with both teams eyeing deep playoff runs.
Week 9 – vs. Broncos
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
Houston looks to capitalize on home-field advantage in back-to-back weeks.
Week 10 – vs. Jaguars
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
A crucial rematch with Jacksonville that could have major implications in the division race.
Week 11 – at Titans
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
The Texans head to Nashville for the second leg of their rivalry series.
Week 12 – vs. Bills
Thursday Night Football, 7:15 PM CT
Short week, big stage—Josh Allen and the Bills come to town for a showdown under the lights.
Week 13 – at Colts
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
Houston travels to Indianapolis in another pivotal AFC South matchup.
Week 14 – at Chiefs
Sunday Night Football, 7:20 PM CT
All eyes will be on Arrowhead as the Texans get their shot at the reigning AFC champs in prime time.
Week 15 – vs. Cardinals
Sunday, 12:00 PM CT
Houston returns home to face an Arizona squad in the late-season playoff push.
Week 16 – vs. Raiders
Sunday, 3:25 PM CT
Another home test for the Texans as they look to stack wins in December.
Week 17 – at Chargers
Date/Time TBD
A potential flex game as the playoff picture takes shape in the AFC.
Week 18 – vs. Colts
Date/Time TBD
The regular-season finale at home could decide the division—or more.
Key Takeaways:
- Four national TV games: Two on Monday night, one on Thursday, and one massive Sunday night in Kansas City.
- Division focus: As always, the AFC South matchups will be pivotal—with two against the Colts, one against the Titans, and one against the Jags starting Week 10.
- Late-season challenges: A brutal stretch from Week 12 to Week 14 features the Bills, Colts, and Chiefs.
The schedule sets up for a dramatic season with playoff implications likely lasting into Week 18.
Here's a look at the Texans schedule release video:
Say WAZZUPPPPPP to our 2025 Schedule ‼️ pic.twitter.com/nY5Kwh5tWl
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 15, 2025
*ChatGPT assisted.
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