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Bizarre Lone Star ALCS Between Astros and Rangers Takes an Even Stranger Turn as No One Seizes Home Advantage

Published 10/23/2023, 6:34 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

One might think that there is always an advantage to playing at home. But the tables turn the other way with the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. In fact, Game 6 proved a bizarre trend true on Sunday. As the two teams aimed at inching closer to the World Series final game, Houston met with a strange fate. 

The clash took place at the Minute Maid Park where Texas emerged victorious with 3 wins to their name overall, while Houston also stood at 3 wins out of 6. The win that the Rangers bagged in Houston’s home ground raises a question, why have the Astros not won at their home ground in any game this postseason? 

How the tables have turned for the Houston Astros on their home ground

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The Houston Astros were leading the ALCS until game 6, where they had bagged 3 victories in games 3, 4, and 5 straight in Global Life Field. In comparison to this, there opponents the Texas Rangers had won games 1 and 2 in Minute Maid Park. Sunday’s game was a deciding factor in whether Texas would make it further or not.

And with this win, they pushed their chances of elimination away. However, it is not the triumph that has raised many questions for the home side Astros. Rather, there inability to showcase dominance at home turf has left many scratching their heads. 

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In keeping with the ‘road-field advantage’ theme ALCS, the Texas Rangers defeated the Houston Astros 9-2 on Sunday. The game was tight the entire time, as witnessed by the lopsided final score. However, in the top of the ninth inning, Game 5 star Adolis Garcia smashed a line-drive grand slam to put the game out of reach for his opponents. 

With three hits, including a crucial solo home run and RBI double, Mitch Garver also had a clutch performance. Jonah Heim gave the Rangers a lead they would never give up with a two-run home run off Framber Valdez.

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To keep his club alive, Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi preserved his reputation as a big-game pitcher by giving up just two runs on five hits over 6.1 scoreless innings. Alas! the men in orange couldn’t help but lose their home advantage to the Rangers completely. 

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Off to a strong start the Houston Astros were soon overshadowed by the Texas Rangers

Overall Game 6 clearly was not in favor of the Astros. But Houston seemed to have a good start. Houston scored a run in the first half of the game, which has not happened often for the club, especially when they are playing at home in the playoffs. After Jose Altuve singled, stole second, and was driven home by an RBI hit by Yordan Alvarez, the first run was scored. Texas proved that they were not going to give up their chance in the arena. 

However, Bryan Abreu came forth and the Houston fans sighed in relief. The baseball star who had been suspended for two games made sure to face Adolis Garcia fearlessly. Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough as the Texas outfielder silenced the crowd with his strike. This game has ultimately helped the Rangers in keeping themselves alive in the game.

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They will now lock horns once again and this time the situation will require unflinching efforts from both sides. However, it won’t be far-fetched to say that both teams have proved to be worthy of the stage they are sharing currently. But, who do you think will eventually come out victorious from this clash?

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Written by:

Kanishka Prakash

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Kanishka Prakash is an MLB writer for EssentiallySports. Being a sports enthusiast, she developed an interest in baseball during her college days. Eventually, her enthusiasm couldn’t be contained any longer, and EssentiallySports came to her rescue, offering an opportunity to write for her favorite sport.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat