Here's Why Texas Rangers Win ALCS Game 5 Against Houston Astros

The Texas Rangers have let their 2-0 ALCS lead over the Houston Astros slip away, but here are three reasons why they'll win Game 5 on Friday.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Buck up, Texas Rangers fans. All is not lost.

Although the Houston Astros have tied up the American League Championship Series 2-2 with a 10-3 Game 4 win Thursday, the Rangers have plenty of reason to remain confident.

The pivotal Game 5 is at 4:07 p.m. Friday at Globe Life Field. The winner will take a huge advantage as the series returns to Houston for Game 6 at 7:07 p.m. Sunday at Minute Maid Park. If necessary, Game 7 is at 7:07 p.m. Monday at Minute Maid Park.

If left-hander Jordan Montgomery can give the Rangers at least six innings on Friday, Texas' key bullpen arms are well-rested after three days without any action. That includes Aroldis Chapman, Josh Sborz and closer Jose Leclerc, who earned saves in the first two ALCS games. None of them have pitched since Game 2 on Monday in Houston. All three are better pitchers when working on rest, especially Chapman. Their freshness offers hope. 

Need more? Here are three additional reasons why the Rangers are poised to win the crucial Game 5.

Marcus Semien is doubled up in the fifth inning during Game 4 Thursday / © Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Three Reasons Why Texas Rangers Win Game 5

Fret not, Texas Rangers fans, here are three reasons why your team will beat the Astros in Game 5 Friday:

Monty's Back On the Mound

Jordan Montgomery held the Astros scoreless on five hits and a walk over 6 1/3 in his Game 1 win on Sunday.

It's not just his recent success against the Astros that should give you hope. He's been consistently solid against Houston for much of his career, including earlier this season when he was still with the Cardinals. He held the Astros to one earned run in 6 2/3 innings on June 27 and in 2022 with the Yankees, he held Houston to two runs over 6 1/3.

Month Since Losing Three Straight

The Rangers haven't lost three consecutive games since Sept. 18. It was part of a four-game losing streak, including three at Cleveland and one against Boston in Arlington before they went on a six-game win streak.

Texas, however, did lose three or more consecutive games eight times in 2023.

Marcus Semien is Due

Marcus Semien, Jonah Heim and Nathaniel Lowe are due to wake up at the plate. Especially Semien, who's hitting a team-low .179 and has only two RBI in nine postseason games. Semien led the American League with 185 hits, was third with 40 doubles, had 29 homers and was tied for fourth with 100 RBI ... as a lead-off hitter. Semien is 3-for-16 with one walk and no RBI in the ALCS. 

Monty Must Do 'Something Different' for Rangers

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on Twitter @StefanVersusTex.

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