Josh Jung Does Job, Rest of Texas Rangers Bats Quiet in ALCS Game 3 Loss to Houston Astros

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung accounted for four runs in Wednesday's Game 3 loss to the Houston Astros.

Texas Rangers rookie third baseman Josh Jung did his part Wednesday night in the first American League Championship Series game played at Globe Life Field. 

Unfortunately, Cristian Javier did his a bit better. 

Jung launched two home runs, including a two-run blast off the 26-year-old Houston Astros right-hander in Game 3 of the ALCS. Jung, who's made a case for winning the AL Rookie of the Year, finished 2-of-4, totaled four RBI and scored twice. 

It's not his fault the rest of the Texas Rangers' bat were as colder and bare as winters in Fargo in an 8-5 loss. Jung and the Rangers lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 going into Thursday night's Game 4 back at Globe Life Field.

“The kid did a great job of getting us back in the game a couple of times,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “We weren’t doing much with Javier.”

Josh Jung homered twice in Wednesday's Game 3 to the Houston Astros / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Few could rattle Javier, one of the better playoff pitchers remaining this postseason. The Dominican native carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning, sending Rangers back to the dugouts thanks to a high-rising 90-plus-mph fastball. 

Nathaniel Lowe finally ceased talks of a second no-hit bid for Javier in the playoffs with a two-out single. Jung fouled off two pitches before connecting with a slider that landed in the Rangers bullpen. 

Jung also smacked another two-run homer off reliever Hector Neris in the seventh to bring the Rangers' within three.

Javier, who owns a career 2.08 ERA in the postseason, lasted 5 2/3 innings before Dusty Baker decided to go to the bullpen. He dominated the Minnesota Twins in Game 3 of the ALDS, allowing one hit against five walks while striking out six.

Texas limited the strikeouts to three and tacked on two more hits, but the results were similar. Javier forced 13 swing-and-miss strikes and issued one walk. Outside of Jung's homer, the only other mistake was allowing rookie Evan Carter to reach base with a two-out double.

“Our game plan was to try and get on top of some heaters and hit ‘em hard," catcher Jonah Heim said. "He made some good pitches, and we missed under a little too much tonight.”

The youth movement remained a bright spot in Wednesday's loss. Leody Taveras drew his fourth walk of the series and robbed slugger Yordan Alvarez of his seventh home run this postseason. Carter, who should be the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year next year, reached base for the third time in three games. 

But Jung's ability to catch pitcher's slipping has benefited Texas' lineup throughout their now-deceased seven-game win streak. In eight games, he's hitting .355 with three home runs and seven RBI. 

The No. 8 hitter was the No. 1 reason Texas stood a chance in the back frame of Wednesday's contest, but he can't do it alone in Game 4 against right-hander Jose Urquidy .

Globe Life Field Roof Decision for Game 3

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