In my entire life I can not remember a ALCS less talked about less - spoken about less - cared about less, than The Rangers and Astros matchup that got underway last night in Houston . and that's a bloody shame. Because if you missed last night's 2-0 ALCS opener you missed a pitching gem.
Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery struck out six, allowed just five hits and no runs over 6 1/3 innings to lead his team to a 2-0 win over the Astros in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.
"Both sides had great pitching, we just found a way to get a couple runs across the board," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. "That was the difference in the game."
The old man Justin Verlander did not look old at all, allowing six hits and just two runs over 6 2/3 innings while striking out five. Rangers left fielder Evan Carter doubled and catcher Jonah Heim got Texas on the scoreboard with an RBI single in the top of the second. And Leody Taveras who was 2-2 with a walk added a Solo 400 foot bomb to right center in the top of the fifth. That was all the Rangers needed to take a 1-0 series lead and get the split in Houston.
Montgomery and Rangers relief pitchers Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and Jose Leclerc did not allow a hit over the final five innings. Montgomery sat Jose Abreu down twice on strikes. and struck out Astros postseason superman Yordan Alvarez three times in the victory.
“ Obviously I was super excited to take the ball," Montgomery said. "Any time I can give my team a chance to win, I'm going to do my best."
No time to waste , Game 2 first pitch is set for 4:37 p.m. EDT Monday in Houston. Game 3 will be Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.