HOUSTON — It was a big stage for anyone, much less a rookie pitcher. But Astros starter Luis Garcia had the outing of his career with the brightest spotlight to date on him.
Garcia pitched 5 2/3 innings Friday, only giving up one hit and no runs. And he didn’t give up a single hit until the sixth inning. The Astros bullpen kept Boston off the scoreboard the rest of the way as Houston won, 5-0, to advance to the World Series.
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Garcia only gave up one walk while striking out seven Red Sox batters.
It’s a stark contrast from his first outing in the American League Championship Series. He started Game 2, but left with discomfort in his right knee. Houston lost that game, 9-5, as Boston hit two grand slams in the first two innings.
But Friday’s gem was a big bounce back for Garcia, who has had success in his first year in the bigs. For the Astros, he was 11-8 with a 3.30 ERA with 167 strikeouts.
And while the ALCS was a big stage, the Astros’ rookie will be on an even bigger stage as Houston advances to the World Series.
