The Houston Astros kicked off the American League Division Series (ALDS) with a bang, as Justin Verlander, Yordan Alvarez, and Jose Altuve led the team to a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins.
Verlander was the star of the show, throwing seven innings of one-run ball while striking out nine batters. He allowed just four hits and one walk, and was in complete control throughout the game. The veteran right-hander also had a hand in the offense, as he drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning.
Alvarez was also instrumental in the victory, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. He hit a solo home run in the fifth inning that gave the Astros a 4-1 lead, and then drove in another run with an RBI single in the seventh inning.
Altuve also had a big game, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. He drove in a run with a single in the fourth inning, and then scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning on an RBI single by Alvarez.
The Astros bullpen also did its job, as Ryan Pressly and Roberto Osuna combined to throw two scoreless innings to close out the game.
The win was a great start to the ALDS for the Astros, and they will look to build on it in Game 2. With Verlander, Alvarez, and Altuve leading the way, they have a great chance to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
