Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers will not soon be forgotten. That was the case before José Altuve came to the plate in the ninth inning and is certainly the case after his at-bat.
With the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 was already great. Adolis García hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Rangers the lead. When he came up in the eighth inning, he was hit by a pitch from Houston’s Bryan Abreu. García immediately confronted not Abreu, but Astros catcher Martín Maldonado, leading to the benches clearing and García, Abreu and Houston manager Dusty Baker getting ejected.
That drama was still fresh on everyone’s mind when the Astros came to bat in the top of the ninth inning. Yainer Díaz led the inning off for the Astros with a single and Jon Singleton walked, bringing Altuve up as the go-ahead run. Texas pitcher José Leclerc got ahead in the count but his 0-1 changeup was right in Altuve’s wheelhouse. He drove the pitch over the left field wall and just over the outstretched arm of Rangers left fielder, Evan Carter, for a go-ahead three-run home run.
José Altuve drills a three-run home run to give the Astros a 5-4 lead over in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the ALCS. pic.twitter.com/hRmWCBz2Jv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 21, 2023
Altuve’s homer stood as the game-winner, but not without some tense moments in the bottom of the inning. Texas’ first two hitters reached base, bringing Marcus Semien, the American League’s hit king in 2023, to the plate with two on and nobody out.
Semien hit the ball well and it appeared to be ticketed for the outfield. But Houston shortstop Grae Kessinger — in the game for defense — was well positioned. He did have to leave his feet, but came down with the ball.
The Rangers were not far from tying or winning it. The first two hitters of the ninth inning reached and Marcus Semien hit a line drive that appeared ticketed for the outfield.
But Grae Kessinger was well positioned and made a jumping catch to preserve the lead. pic.twitter.com/IMPjZDZfUR
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 21, 2023
After Corey Seager flew out deep to centerfield, Ryan Pressly struck Carter out to give the Astros a dramatic 5-4 win.
Ryan Pressly gets Evan Carter to give the Astros a 5-4 win over the Rangers in Game 5 of the ALCS.
Houston sweeps the three games in Arlington and will return home one win away from a third straight trip to the World Series. pic.twitter.com/iWsu0KpH9H
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 21, 2023
Altuve’s dramatic moment inspired a lot of commentary from the baseball world.
"It is GONE. IT'S GONE. IT'S GONE. IT'S GONE. JOSÉ ALTUVE GIVES THE ASTROS A 5-4 LEAD HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT?"
Robert Ford calls José Altuve's game-winning home run in Game 5 of the ALCS.pic.twitter.com/zzaoYhlIEB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 21, 2023
Yeah, he’ll be a HOFer https://t.co/s3uIEkn20K
— Jaymes (@JaymesL) October 21, 2023
Jose Altuve is the greatest Astro in history and there is no debate anymore. pic.twitter.com/oBVQa9sbES
— 𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕠𝕓 🌟 (@jakedc6) October 21, 2023
Jose Altuve has been absolutely wearing it from opposing teams’ fans for 4 years. We can debate whether that’s justified or not another time. Regardless, dude battled the yips in 2020, and still just hammers big moment home run after big moment home run. It’s actually incredible.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 21, 2023
Their souls are forever linked thanks to Altuve pic.twitter.com/aHseBf5VDn
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) October 21, 2023
Altuve and the Astros will head back to Houston with a 3-2 lead in the ALCS. Whether the series going back to Houston is good for the Rangers or Astros remains to be seen, as the visiting team has won every game in the series.
