ALCS Game Seven Preview: “The Battle for Texas”

By: Jacob Cullum

It is not often that sports fans are spoiled with the drama and theatrics of a game 7. If you are lucky enough to be a Rangers or Astros fan right now, I know this goes without being said. But this moment is only more dramatic when both teams reign from the same state, creating a game 7 that can only be dubbed “The Battle for Texas”.

After the Rangers took games one and two in Houston, they dropped three straight at home. With an elimination game 6, the Rangers topped the Astros 9-2 to bring us to tonight’s game 7.

As reported by ESPN, RHP ace Max Scherzer looks to be taking the mound for the Rangers while RHP Cristian Javier will pitch for the Astros. Scherzer, who hasn’t had the best postseason (0-1, 4 IP, 11.25 ERA), is always a threat to be elite. Everyone has seen what Max can do; it is just a matter of if we will see the best version of Max tonight. Alternatively, Cristian Javier has had a fantastic postseason (2-0, 10.2 IP, 1.69 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 12K) and looks to continue dominating.

With the game being in Houston, it is a given that sold-out Minute Maid Park will be electric. The Astros come into the ALCS with a roster that holds postseason experience. Astro fan-favorites such as 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Alex Bregman, and RF Kyle Tucker know what to expect in high-stake playoff matchups.

The Texas Rangers come into this matchup boasting sluggers RF Adolis Garcia (.277 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI) and C Mitch Garver (.290, 2 HR, 10 RBI). Infielders Josh Jung and Corey Seager are both hitting .300 for the postseason and could provide a spark tonight. Perhaps infielder Marcus Semien will turn it around and have a big night as well as he has had a rough postseason (.191 AVG, 6 SO).

Jacob Discusses Game 7 of the ALCS

In games like these, the predictions seem to go out the window by the 3^rd inning after some crazy play has already shattered pre-game predictions. Nevertheless, I will predict the Houston Astros will advance to play in their second straight World Series just based on homefield advantage. Unless Scherzer comes out in prime form, RHP Cristian Javier will have an opportunity to go deep into the game.

Game 7 of the ALCS begins at 7:30 on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte.