The Houston Astros have tied the American League Championship Series up 2-2 against their rival the Texas Rangers following a 10-3 rout on Thursday evening.
Never down and out, the reigning World Series champions now have home field advantage in what is essentially a three-game series.
During the last two games of the ALCS, the Astros offense has come alive. Much of that production has been from second baseman Jose Altuve and slugger Yordan Alvarez.
But the latter has been the most impressive.
The Texas Rangers employ six lefties in their pitching staff, a tall order for any lineup to contend with. Especially for left-handed hitters, but not Alvarez.
This postseason, Alvarez currently sits with a .538 batting average and two home runs against southpaws. An incredible stat that has been a defining attribute of why Houston continues to place themselves in the conversation for another World Series appearance despite beginning the series 0-2.
Friday will be a huge test as well as a pivotal game. Texas is sending Jordan Montgomery to the mound for his second start of the series. Houston will rely on veteran ace Justin Verlander.
It certainly feels like all of the momentum is in the Astros' favor and you also get the sense that whoever wins Game 5 on Friday will be the team headed to the World Series to compete for a championship.
Alvarez may have struck out three times in Game 1, but with a second look at Montgomery, all bets are off the table as to what the superstar will be capable of on Friday.
Game 5 of the ALCS kicks off in Arlington, Texas at 4:07 p.m. CT on Friday. The two teams will then head back to Minute Maid Park in Houston for the final two games.
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