Texas Rangers Jump Out Fast, Chase Houston Astros Starter in ALCS Game 7 First Inning

The Texas Rangers wanted to get off to a quick start against Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier, and did that with three runs in the top of the first inning of Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

The Texas Rangers wanted to get off to a good start offensively in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

Well, not only did the Rangers get off to a good start offensively, they chased Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier after he recorded just one out in the first inning Monday night at Minute Maid Park.

It was about as good a start as the Rangers could have asked for against a pitcher who had won all four of his previous postseason starts and had a 6-1 record in the postseason since 2021. He also had a 2.08 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 43.1 innings.

That track record didn’t help him as the Rangers jumped out to a 3-0 lead with their first six batters — and the first one grounded out.

Corey Seager got the Rangers on the board with a home run in the top of the first inning of Game 7 of ALCS / © Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

That was second baseman Marcus Semien, who has not hit well this entire series. He grounded out to Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena.

Shortstop Corey Seager picked Semien up as he blasted a high fastball to the second deck in right field for a solo home run and a 1-0 lead.

Then things went south quickly for Javier.

After that, Evan Carter drew a walk from Javier.

The Rangers then got aggressive on the basepaths. With Adolis García at the plate, Carter stole second base and scored when García hit a single off the left field wall.

He could have turned it into a double, but he spent a bit too long admiring the hit as he thought he might have hit a home run, like the grand slam he hit in Game 6.

It didn’t matter. García stole second off Javier and then scored when Mitch Garver’s bloop single fell just in front of the outstretched glove of Astros left fielder Michael Brantley. That gave Texas a 3-0 lead.

After Jonah Heim singled, Astros manager Dusty Baker made the move to the bullpen and brought in Phil Maton.

Officially Javier went a third of an inning, giving up four hits, three runs (all earned), with a walk.

Maton wrapped up the inning by striking out Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Jung.

The Astros got a run back in the bottom of the first off Texas starter Max Scherzer. 

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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