(Arlington) Jose Altuve excels under pressure with the Houston Astros thanks to his ability to remain calm during the most crucial moments of October, and even after another heated incident against the Texas Rangers.
The reigning World Series champions are just one win away from a third straight American League title after Altuve’s ninth-inning three-run homer gave the Astros a 5-4 win at the end of the season. A spectacular and intense fifth game of the American League Championship Series.
“He has a high level of concentration, because that’s what you need in big moments like that. Concentration, desire and relaxation combined. And not everyone can put those three things together,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
“He’s one of the most intense guys I’ve seen, and I’ve seen some great ones. »
Baker was not in the dugout when Altuve slammed on the 26e career home run in playoff games, a total that places him second in major league baseball history, three behind Manny Ramirez.
Shortly before Altuve’s homer, pitcher Bryan Abreu and Baker were ejected after Astros reliever Adolis García hit with a pitch in the eighth inning.
The incident occurred two innings after the Rangers hitter hit a three-run home run against Justin Verlander, which gave his team a 4-2 lead.
After making contact with the ball, Garcia took 16 steps down the first base line while watching the ball land in the stands.
He pounded his chest and had covered more than half the distance from home plate to first cushion when he energetically threw his bat to the ground before beginning his run around the paths.
Two innings later, García was angry after being hit in the upper left arm by a fastball clocked at 98.9 mph, and immediately turned to catcher Martín Maldonado.
García waved his finger at Maldonado, while home plate umpire Marvin Hudson pushed Garcia away.
Once calm returned, the referees, after consulting, sent off Abreu and García.
Baker came out of the dugout and was involved in a heated discussion with three of the officials. Baker knocked his cap to the ground and was sent off as well. From the dugout, the 74-year-old manager continued to argue with Hudson for six minutes before retreating to the locker room.
After the match, head referee James Hoye explained to a group of reporters that Abreu was sent off for making an intentional shot. Garcia was taken out of the match because he was the aggressor in the situation.
“The guy hits a three-run homer, the next shift he gets hit,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. I would have been unhappy too, if I had been in ‘Doli’s place. »
In the ninth, José Leclerc, the Rangers’ stopper, gave a single to backup hitter Yainer Diaz, first to the plate, and a walk to Jon Singleton, the next batter.
With a no-ball count and a strike, Altuve followed by curling a Leclerc changeup over the left-field fence, just out of reach of outfielder Evan Carter’s glove.
After winning all three games at their Texas rivals’ home field, the Astros lead three wins to two in this best-of-seven series which continues Sunday night in Houston.
“We got it right so many times. We never give up until the last out,” Altuve noted.
Alex Bregman, for the Astros, and Nathaniel Lowe, for the Rangers, also hit home runs.
“Emotions are high during the playoffs. You have two of the best teams going head to head. Everyone wants to win. I think that’s what he is,” Bregman said of Altuve.
“His heart rate is very slow. He is calm under pressure. He is confident in his skills. His concentration is still very high. »