ARLINGTON, Texas — Jose Altuve proved he thrives under pressure for the Houston Astros after smashing a 3-run home run in the ninth inning to give his team a 5-4 lead over the Texas Rangers in game 5 of the ALCS.
The high-impact swing came just one inning after both benches cleared when Houston reliever Brian Abreu plunked Rangers slugger Adolis García in the shoulder with a 98 mph fastball. Abreu, García and Astros' skipper Dusty Baker were all tossed from the game.
Going into the ninth inning, the Astros were trailing the Rangers by two runs. Pinch-hitter Yainer Diaz opened up the inning with a single before pinch-hitter Jon Singleton drew a walk at the bottom of the lineup, bringing Altuve up to the plate.
Then, Altuve did what Altuve does, sending the ball flying over the left-field fence, leading the Astros to a 5-4 win over the Rangers.
Listen to Astros Spanish radio broadcaster Francisco Romero bring the play to life for his listeners:
The teams now head back to Houston to play game 6 and, if necessary, game 7 at Minute Maid Park.
Framber Valdez is set to take the mound for Houston, opposing Nathan Eovaldi for the Rangers.
The AL West champion Astros are 40-45 this year at Minute Maid Park, including 1-3 in the postseason. But they are 5-0 on the road and have won 19 of their past 22 games away from home overall.
Houston went 9-1 at Globe Life Field this season, winning its last eight while outscoring Texas 79-36.