The Houston Astros sealed their third AL Pennant in five years with a shutout victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the ALCS yesterday. With the final scoreline reading 5-0, the Astros sealed the series 4-2 with incredible hitting and pitching performances.
Their victory saw the Minute Maid Park erupt as the Astros celebrated wildly on the pitch. While the Red Sox cut a downcast figure, the fans of the new AL Pennant champions basked in their glory.
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The Houston Astros celebrate their third AL Pennant in five years
After two impressive victories in Fenway Park, the Astros returned home to try and close out the series yesterday. Yordan Álvarez recorded a superb hit to send Bregman home in the bottom of the first inning to give the Astros an early 1-0 lead.
Álvarez then struck a hit towards the right side of the field, which saw him record a triple. The 24-year-old then scored his first run of the game as he took advantage of Kyle Schwarber’s attempt to tag Carlos Correa at first base.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Astros had Álvarez on second base and Correa on first before Kyle Tucker stepped up and stole the show. He extended the Astros’ lead to 5-0 by smashing a 95mph pitch off Adam Ottavino straight into the stands to record a three-run home run.
The Astros then ended the game in the top of the ninth inning with Michael Brantley catching Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts out. This triggered joyous scenes in the Minute Maid Park, as the Astros dugout ran straight into the field.
There it is!
The @astros win the pennant and are going to the World Series! #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/MM7TWG2uqD
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2021
Confetti and fireworks added color to the night sky, as their fans celebrated their return to the World Series.
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Can the Astros win their second World Series?
The Astros will face either the Atlanta Braves or the Los Angeles Dodgers in this year’s World Series. Whichever team wins the NL Pennant, they will no doubt find it hard to beat the Astros.
Along with excellent players, the Astros also have a great manager in Dusty Baker. Should the Braves win the NLCS, the Astros will get home advantage in the World Series. However, the Dodgers will enjoy home advantage if they can win the remaining two NLCS games. Regardless, the Astros look a much stronger outfit and are likely to repeat their heroics of 2017.
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READ MORE: Houston Astros Make Franchise History With Run Fest in the Clutch Against the Boston Red Sox