ARLINGTON, Texas – The momentum in the (ALCS) American League Championship Series distinctly favors the Texas Rangers. Leading the series 2-0, they’re setting their sights on Game 3, poised and ready.
In the spotlight for Game 3 is none other than Max Scherzer, a powerhouse in baseball, with a reputation that precedes him. After an absence of five weeks, Scherzer is bursting with energy, eagerly waiting to throw his best against the Houston Astros, who are desperately trying to hang on in this championship fight.
Contrarily, there’s a sense of calm emanating from the Astros’ camp. Martin Maldonado, their seasoned catcher, joked about Cristian Javier, the Game 3 starter, being so composed that he couldn’t even detect a pulse. It’s this zen-like demeanor that the Astros are banking on, hoping it’ll give them the edge they need.
Dusty Baker, Astros’ manager, exudes unwavering confidence. “We’re only thinking about the next game, then the one after that, and the one after that. Our goal is clear – the World Series,” he stated.
Essential Highlights:
Max Scherzer’s Performance:
Having last pitched on September 12 due to a shoulder injury, many wonder what form Scherzer will bring to the mound. While the Rangers are confident in the veteran, there’s a certain unpredictability given his hiatus. His career playoff ERA of 3.58 in 27 appearances, and his formidable run between 2015 and 2019 with Washington, make him a focal point of the game.
El Reptil, Cristian Javier:
Nicknamed “El Reptil” (The Reptile) for his seemingly cold-blooded composure, Javier has proven his mettle under pressure, especially when the odds are stacked against the Astros. Will his calm demeanor help in this high-stakes game? Only time will tell.
Astros’ Peculiar Away Record:
The Astros seem to feel more at home when they’re on the road. With a poor 39-42 record at their home ground but an impressive 51-30 on the road, they’ll be looking to leverage this odd trend, especially since they’ve had a solid 5-1 record at Globe Life Field this year.
As the teams converge again at Globe Life Field, it’s a mix of anticipation and determination. While Texas aims to leverage the energy of their star player, the Astros, reigning World Series champions, know that it’s far from over.
To sum it up, in Baker’s words: “I’ve seen all scenarios play out in the game. It’s not over until it’s over.”