Title: Jose Altuve Propels Houston Astros to ALCS Victory with Stellar Performance
Date: Oct 20, 2023
Author: Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer
Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros reached a significant milestone on Thursday night as he became the seventh player in baseball history to play in 100 career postseason games. Altuve’s achievement not only reflects the additional rounds introduced in recent years but also underscores the Astros’ prolonged success in the playoffs.
Reflecting on his extensive postseason experience, Altuve acknowledged the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball, stating, “That in the playoffs, a lot of things can happen.”
The Astros faced a daunting task as they dropped the first two games of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers at home. Their hitting struggled, giving the impression that they were no match for the scorching-hot Rangers. However, the Astros displayed resilience and turned the series around on the road, leveling it at two games apiece.
The pivotal Game 4 at Globe Life Park witnessed an offensive explosion from the Astros, with Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, and Jose Abreu combining to drive in a remarkable eight runs from the heart of the lineup. Interjecting from the very top, Altuve contributed three hits, setting the tone for his team.
Teammate Alex Bregman praised Altuve, describing him as a Hall of Fame player and an incredible leader on and off the field. Bregman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be Altuve’s teammate and hoped for their continued partnership.
Altuve wasted no time making an impact in Game 4, hitting a leadoff double off Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney on the game’s third pitch. This initial boost paved the way for the Astros to score three runs before recording an out. Although the Rangers tied the score, the Astros responded with a dominant four-run fourth inning, establishing a commanding lead. Despite a late-inning review overturning a potential home run, Altuve’s stellar performance contributed to the Astros’ 10-3 victory.
With his three-hit performance, Altuve achieved his tenth career three-hit game in the postseason, tying former teammate Carlos Correa for the third-most all-time. Only Bernie Williams and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees sit ahead of them with 12 apiece. Altuve’s near home run also placed him in rarified company, as he pursued Manny Ramirez’s record of 29 career postseason home runs, with Altuve currently sitting at 26.
At the age of 33, Altuve joined an elite group of players consisting of Jeter, Williams, Ramirez, Jorge Posada, David Justice, and Yadier Molina, who have reached the milestone of 100 career postseason games. Altuve’s longevity and consistency have been instrumental in keeping the Astros’ contention window open, according to outfielder Chas McCormick.
McCormick, who witnessed the Astros win their first World Series championship in 2017, expressed his awe at Altuve’s accomplishment and praised him for being the driving force behind the team’s sustained success.
Altuve struggled in the Astros’ losses in Houston but has found his form in the team’s victories in Arlington. As Altuve reached his 100th postseason game, he remained focused on the ultimate goal of winning the next game.
While Altuve plans to cherish the jersey from Thursday’s game, his immediate priorities lie in leading the Astros to victory in the postseason.
Altuve summarized the significance of his milestone by stating, “Obviously it means a lot; it means the team’s been having success in the last years. But I think the whole focus I have right now is about winning tomorrow.”