\’Stros Still Swinging ☄️

October 19, 2023 $\’Stros Still Swinging ☄️$

By: Carlos Alvarez

Astros Shred Scherzer to Take Game 3 of ALCS (8-5), Hand Rangers 1st Loss in October

We’ve got a series! Wednesday marked the first time this October the Texas Rangers lost a playoff game, and it came with Max Scherzer on the mound. The Astros punched back in Game 3 with a critical win to keep the series alive and avoid a 3-0 deficit. Houston put up a three-run 2nd inning before Jose Altuve’s solo shot in the 3rd that inched him closer to history (see below). The Astros rang up five runs on Scherzer before he was pulled. Texas put forth a valiant effort to make it a game thanks to a 2-HR night from Josh Jung, but the ‘Stros never relinquished the lead. Christian Javier was good enough on the mound for Houston, logging 5.2 IP, 3 Ks, 3 Hits, and 2 ER. And instead of 3-0 at Globe Life Field, the Astros have a chance to take it back to Minute Maid Park with an all-square series.

Altuve Chasing History

Jose Altuve was hitless in the ALCS before the 3rd inning on Wednesday night. His solo home run on Tuesday was the 25th postseason blast for the 33-year-old. He’s just four back of Manny Ramirez (29) for the all-time playoff HR record in MLB history. Only two other players have 20 or more — Bernie Williams (22) and Derek Jeter (20).

Watch: Astros Take Game 3 Over Rangers (8-5)

TEX Leads Series (2-1)

Tonight’s Schedule

NLCS Gm 3: Phillies at D-Backs (5:07 pm ET)

PHI Leads Series (2-0)

ALCS Gm 4: Astros at Rangers (8:03 pm ET)

TEX Leads Series (2-1)

CBS Sports: Astros’ Bats Come to Life in Game 3 Win Over Rangers

Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images