Nathan Eovaldi Ready for Hot Houston Astros, Texas Rangers in Must-Win ALCS Game 6

Texas Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi will take the ball in Game 6 of the ALCS needing a win over the Houston Astros to force a Game 7.

ARLINGTON, Texas — It’s up to Nathan Eovaldi now.

Either way Game 5 went down, that was the card he drew for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.

The Texas Rangers right-hander will start on Sunday against Houston left-hander Framber Valdez, a rematch of Game 2 on Monday. Neither Eovaldi nor Valdez pitching on Sunday was a surprise. Both will pitch on normal rest.

But the Rangers’ playoff life is now on the line.

Eovaldi didn’t know that when he spoke to the media before Game 5, which became a gut-punching 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros.

The Rangers beat Framber Valdez and Houston in Game 2 of the ALCS / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

But, either way, he said he knows this is why the Rangers have him queued up for Game 6.

“I think that’s why we set the rotation the way we did and everything, the way it all lined up,” Eovaldi said.

Eovaldi took the win in Game 2, but it was a somewhat adventurous outing at Minute Maid Park. He went six innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs, while striking out nine and walking one. But, he pitched his way out of a couple of serious jams, including one with the bases loaded.

But that’s playoff baseball and that’s the challenge Eovaldi wants.

“I fully believe that pitching wins championships,” he said. “We’re able to put teams in a funk, go out there and set the tone early. You’re locating your pitches and attacking the hitters. You don’t give in.”

He’s always been a quality postseason pitcher. He enters Sunday’s Game 6 with a 7-3 record in the playoffs, with a 2.87 ERA. But this postseason Eovaldi is 3-0 with a 2.29 ERA in 19 2/3 innings pitched.

He seems to come through in situations like this, as he helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2018, pitching both as a starter and reliever.

There may be no tougher, or more opportune a situation for Eovaldi than Sunday night in Houston. He relishes it.

“I enjoy facing the hottest teams,” Eovaldi said. “Obviously you’re going to pitch a little differently, depending on how aggressive they’re going to come out swinging. But that’s what you prepare for, and that’s what you get ready for.”

2023 ALCS schedule (Astros lead 3-2)

Game 1: Rangers 2, Astros 0

Game 2: Rangers 5, Astros 4

Game 3: Astros 8, Rangers 5

Game 4: Astros 10, Rangers 3

Game 5: Astros 5, Rangers 4

Game 6: Sunday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (FS1)

Game 7*: Monday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (Fox/FS1)

*If necessary

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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