An early error by Jose Altuve put the Houston Astros behind the eight-ball early and it turned out to be the moment that resulted in a 4-2 loss, giving the Tampa Bay Rays a 2-0 lead in the ALCS.
How It Happened:
After the Astros left runners at the corners in the top of the first, the Rays took full advantage of a throwing error by Altuve with Manuel Margot launching one out to center field, giving them a 3-0 lead.
Carlos Correa finally got Houston on the board in the top of the sixth with a solo shot to center field to make it a 3-1 deficit, but Mike Zunino put a little more distance between themselves with a solo home run of his own.
George Springer tried to get a rally going in the ninth, but grounded into a double play that scored Yuli Gurriel. After Ryan Thompson walked the bases loaded, Alex Bregman lined up the first pitch he saw, but it wasn’t quite enough as center fielder Kevin Kiermaier caught it to end the threat.
Player of the Game: Charlie Morton
The former Astro proved why he is one of the best in the Rays rotation, throwing five shutout innings and striking out five on the afternoon. It was an impressive outing for the 36-year-old that struggled during the regular season.
Next Up: Game Three; First Pitch at 7:40