HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve did a nice job atoning for a run-scoring error as the Houston Astros took Game 1 of the AL Championship Game against the Boston Red Sox.
Altuve crushed a game-tying, two-run homer in the sixth inning before Carlos Correa’s blast put the Astros ahead to stay in a 5-4 win over the Red Sox. Altuve also lifted a sacrifice fly that gave Houston a 5-3 edge heading into the ninth. The insurance run came in handing after Kike Hernandez smacked his second home run of the night and fourth hit.
Altuve’s miscue contributed to a three-run third that put the Red Sox ahead. He also became the fourth player in major league history with 20 career postseason home runs.
Neither starting pitcher got out of the third inning. Boston’s Chris Sale was lifted with two out in the third. Framber Valdez was chased in the third.
Ryne Stanek retired one batter in the seventh to pick up the win. Ryan Pressly notched the save and Hansel Robles took the loss.
Game 2 is Saturday in Houston.
Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. has been left off the team’s ALCS roster. The right-hander left Game 4 of Houston’s win at Chicago this week after four innings because of forearm tightness.
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Scherzer vs. Fried on Saturday
ATLANTA (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers ace right-hander Max Scherzer is expected to start Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Braves in Atlanta.
Scherzer would be starting two days after earning his first career save in the Dodgers’ 2-1, series-clinching win over the Giants.
Scherzer is expected to face Braves left-hander Max Fried on Saturday.
Los Angeles beat Atlanta in seven games in last year’s NLCS before winning the World Series.
