Typical Chapman and Rangers’ Outfield Wizardry, Compounded by Jose Altuve’s Curious Mishap Paint Astros’ Wild ALCS Game 1 Loss

The Texas Rangers have been surprisingly dominant. Reaching for their first-ever World Series trophy, the club is battling division rivals the Houston Astros. For many, it’s the match-up of a lifetime as the reigning World Series champs defend their title. But Game 1 favored the Rangers, especially with Jose Altuve’s innocent mistake possibly costing the game.

The Astros almost didn’t make it to October given their September performance. Even the Rangers were in trouble when reliever Aroldis Chapman struggled at a crucial point against the Seattle Mariners. It almost prevented Texas from clinching a playoff spot, but of course, they made it. Even so, helped along by an insane catch by Evan Carter and Altuve’s blunder, Houston has lost the first ALCS match-up.

Jose Altuve Misses the Bag in Unfortunate Houston Astros Loss

Not many predicted the 0-2 loss that H-Town took against the Lone Stars. The Texas Rangers didn’t allow a single run all game, especially when it seemed like Jose Altuve might score. In the bottom of the ninth, Alex Bregman hit what seemed to be a surefire home run. Altuve ran to second thinking it would at least be a hit but unfortunately for him, the Rangers’ Evan Carter caught the ball to a roaring crowd.

Altuve booked it back to first base at full speed, assuming he was safe. But as the rules state, the second base bag was ahead of the slugger. Before running back to first, he failed to retouch second base. The Rangers seemingly already knew and challenged the call. The replay resulted in Altuve being called out.

His double play landed the Astros in trouble as the Rangers now lead 1-0 in the ALCS. The slugger already blew a chance at either trying the game or possibly taking a lead in the fifth inning having drawn a leadoff walk against Rangers reliever Josh Sborz. While Game 1 has ended in disaster, the two Astros sluggers are making history nevertheless.

Altuve and Bregman Make It Into the History Books

Despite this latest loss, the Astros era of dominance shows no signs of stopping. The reigning champions are playing their seventh straight ALCS with two World Series victories in that span. Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman have been part of each of those years, which makes them a unique set of teammates.

According to MLB insider Sarah Langs, the duo is “2 of 4 players to appear in at least 1 game in at least 7 consecutive LCS that were played.” The only others to have done this are Tom Glavine (no LCS in ’94) and John Smoltz from 1991-99.

READ MORE – “Everything Is Bigger in Texas..So Saddle Up”: Texan at Heart, American Sensation Post Malone Sets Stage for Lone Star Battle Between Astros and Rangers

The Rangers may have outplayed Houston this once but the Astros will be hungry for victory in Game 2. Who do you think will take the next match-up?

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