The Houston Astros were able to successfully defeat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Thursday in Game 2 of the American League Division Series( ALDS). The best-of-five series now showcases Houston leading 2-0. Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, who emerged as the champion of Game 1 is once again working wonders as the late-inning winner for the Astros, hitting a two-run, go-ahead home run in the core of the 6th to swing the tally from 2-1 in approval of the Mariners to 3-2 in favor of the Astros.
Alvarez has truly proven to be a star player as he was able to score the walk-off three-run home run in Game 1, and as noted earlier it was Alvarez who turned the tide in the Astros’ favor in Game 2. Instead, Alvarez has gone on to become the third player in Division Series record to blast off multiple go-ahead home runs in the sixth inning or later.
For those wondering as to how strong Alvarez’s burst is, it traveled approximately 371 feet and had an exit velocity of 103.6 mph, so quite powerful indeed.
The Mariners, who were understandably getting tired of being beaten by Alvarez, decided to attempt and walk him purposefully in the last of the eighth inning. The IBB ended up coming with a runner on first and two outs in the inning, signifying that Seattle manager Scott Servais infringed one of the analytical rules of thumb when it comes to intentional walks: one should never issue one to advance a runner. Manager Servais and the Mariners, however, would pay for that decision as Alex Bregman made them pay, adding some insurance when he singled to make it 4-2.
Both Luis Castillo, as well as Framber Valdez, were able to deliver good performances throughout the match.
Castillo, who was brought into the Mariners from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline was great for starts like these. He was able to throw seven innings before giving way to the M’s bullpen, allowing three runs on five hits and no walks. All three runs scored on home runs, Alvarez’s, and a solo chance hit by Kyle Tucker sometime ahead in the match. Castillo was also able to strike out seven batters and continued to show good performance and great speed.
Valdez, for his role, had to exit with two outs in the sixth inning. To that point, he had surrendered two runs, albeit only one was able to earn, on four hits and three walks. Valdez amazingly was able to strike out 6 of the 24 batters that he encountered.
Incorporating both Castillo as well as Valdez’s lines would end u giving you 12 2/3 innings, 9 hits, and 5 runs out of which 4 are earned, 3 walks, and also 13 strikeouts.
To everyone now, it is clear to see that the Astros are now absolutely in control and power of the series. Approximately 144 teams have plummeted behind 0-2 in the Division Series, and roughly about 10 have survived to come back and win the series — most recently by the Yankees vs. Cleveland in 2017. Perhaps the Mariners still do have a fair chance of winning in the future –as they are all set to host two of the possible three lingering games — but as things stand at the moment, the odds are very much in favor of the Astros progressing to game for the pennant.
The Mariners as well as the Astros will have to dedicate Friday off due to travel purposes as the series will be shifting to Seattle. All the teams will reconvene on Saturday afternoon, 15th October,2022 to play Game 3 which is additionally the first postseason tournament to be hosted in Seattle ever since 2001. Lance McCullers Jr. is planned to commence for the Astros; he will be opposing the Mariners’ George Kirby, who will be striving to force a Game 4.
The series winner will then progress to the AL Championship Series, where they will fight for the pennant against either the New York Yankees or the Cleveland Guardians. Game 2 between the Yankees and Guardians was halted right until Friday due to the rain. Now, we wait for the next match.
