Why Texas Rangers Will Win ALCS Game 6 Over Houston Astros

The Texas Rangers have reason for hope despite trailing the Houston Astros 3-2 in the ALCS. Here are three reasons the Rangers will win Game 6 on Sunday night in Houston.

ARLINGTON, Texas — It has been a theme used by us media types for the last six weeks of the Texas Rangers' regular season.

Their backs are against the wall.

But that is no longer hyperbole, it's reality. The Rangers face elimination at the hands of the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at 7:07 p.m. Sunday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

After the Rangers won the first two games at Minute Maid Park, the Astros topped them by sweeping the next three games at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Marcus Semien reacts to Game 5 loss ... pic.twitter.com/poDxMbYDVo

— Stefan Stevenson (@StefanVersusTex) October 21, 2023

With a win on Sunday night, the Astros will return to the World Series for the third consecutive season and fifth in the past seven years. They're looking for consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. 

Three Reasons Why Texas Rangers Win ALCS Game 6

The Texas Rangers face elimination against the Houston Astros in ALCS Game 6 on Sunday. Here are three reasons why they'll force Game 7:

Cue Eovaldi

Nothing gives a team more confidence than a hot starting pitcher taking the mound. That appeared to be in play with Jordan Montgomery giving Texas another strong outing in Friday's Game 5. But, alas, we all know how that game finished.

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi faces Framber Valdez in a Game 2 rematch and that bodes well for the Rangers. Eovaldi held the Astros to three runs on five hits and a walk in six innings to improve to 3-0 in the postseason. Meanwhile, the Rangers struck Valdez for five runs (four earned) on seven hits and a walk.

Road Warriors

The Rangers have won all six of their road games in the postseason, including their first two ALCS games against the Astros at Minute Maid Park. Perhaps the oddity of the visiting team winning every game in this series will continue, at least for one more game on Sunday night. In contrast, the Astros inexplicably have a losing record at home in 2023.

Semien Possible

Marcus Semien was arguably the Rangers most consistent offensive threat in the regular season. He led the American League in hits, was third in doubles, and fourth in RBI. His paltry postseason numbers, especially in the ALCS, are shocking. He's hitting a team-low .143, has zero RBI, and has been on base only four times. Just from a law of averages perspective, Semien is due.

Did Ejected Baker Break Rules in Game 5?

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on Twitter @StefanVersusTex.

Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.