Now THAT Is A Playoff Performance!

05 Oct, 2017

Houston Astros Jose Altuve lead the way with a curtain-call-inducing three-homer performance as the Astros got the best of Sale and the Red Sox and slugged their way to an 8-2 win in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Altuve is the ninth player in Major League history to hit three homers in a playoff game.

“We didn’t have a guy in the lineup that didn’t have good at-bats today, and I think that speaks to why we’re a good offensive club,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “And we need those big hits, especially in the big moments, and putting up good at-bats is one of the themes on our team. It’s a staple for up and down the order.”

The Red Sox have lost four straight playoff games dating back to last season’s ALDS sweep at the hands of the Indians. Game 2 between the Astros and Red Sox is set for 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT today at Minute Maid Park.

“Our team was so excited to get out there and ready to compete,” Astros third baseman Alex Bregman said. “The guys showed it today. We had some guys step up today, and it’s going to be a different guy every day. That’s what this team has done all year, different guys stepping up.”

Astros starter Justin Verlander held the Red Sox in check, allowing two runs and six hits in six innings to outduel Sale, who gave up seven runs and nine hits in five-plus innings. After allowing the Red Sox to tie it in the fourth, Verlander sent down five of the final six batters he faced.

MLB.com

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