Houston Astros Feeling at Home in Arlington, Close ALCS Gap on Texas Rangers

The Houston Astros won seven of eight games at Globe Life Field this season, including Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.

Much had changed during the six weeks since the Houston Astros last played at Globe Life Field.

Some for the worse, but most for the better.

As Texas Rangers fans swipe their tickets to enter the ballpark Wednesday evening for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, a voice will likely echo in the back of their heads while searching for their seats or waiting in line for a hot dog.

Will it happen again?

Is this Labor Day weekend 2.0?

As great as the Rangers played during their seven-game winning streak in October, the Astros have played just well away from Minute Maid Park. After the 39-10 run differential beatdown in the Silver Boot Series regular-season finale, Houston went on to win six of its final nine road games to close out September.

Astros starter Cristian Javier held the Rangers to two runs in Houston's 8-5 win in Game 3 of the ALCS / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Astros also bested the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in the ALDS to secure their seventh consecutive trip to the ALCS, outscoring the AL Central champions 12-3.

But the run to first place in the AL West started in Arlington. A run back to Minute Maid Park for at least two more shots at winning the pennant also begins there, especially after an 8-5 win in Game 3.

Including the regular season, Houston has won six straight games at Globe Life Field and seven of eight overall for the year. During this six-game win streak in Arlington, the Astros have outscored Texas 61-33.

The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with neither team winning a home game. 

"We feel very comfortable here as a team," said Astros catcher Martin Maldonado, who had two hits in Game 3. "There's a lot of outfield gaps where a blooper can fall down, also the ball goes pretty much center in a lot places around the wall. So I think we're in the right stadium to make a comeback."

The Astros don't feel they did anything different from Games 1 and 2 at Minute Maid Park

"No, not really. We were close to winning the first two games," manager Dusty Baker said. "We were one hit away. Might not have won, but we were one hit away from at least from tying it up and going ahead. But this team doesn't quit. We know that the Rangers don't quit either. And it makes for a good series."

Houston's success at Globe Life dates back to its first win on June 30. Home runs were the story of the weekend. The Astros sent seven balls into the bleachers that series and finished with nine extra-base hits.

Much of the same occurred during the series sweep in early September. Houston launched 16 no-doubters out of play, five of which came off the bat of Jose Altuve. Four other Astros hit two apiece.

Altuve had a homer in Game 3.

"I don't think it's a relief that we hit better on the road," Maldonado said. "We know we've got to win some games. Doesn't matter if we play here or Yankee Stadium. I think we've got to focus on winning games."

Nothing is over until the final pitch is thrown. The Rangers still have the edge after taking two in Houston, but the Astros played everyone better away from the Juice Box this season, including the red-hot Rangers. 

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