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Watch: Astros SP Cristian Javier has historic streak snapped in excruciating fashion
Cristian Javier Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Astros SP Cristian Javier has historic streak snapped in excruciating fashion

Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier was climbing within striking distance of a historic MLB postseason mark but had his hopes dashed in the most excruciating way possible.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth of Game 3 of the ALCS, Javier allowed a two-run home run to Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, snapping a scoreless streak of 20.1 playoff innings as a starter to begin his postseason career. According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, only Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson (28 innings) had a longer streak to start their career, doing so from 1905 to 1911. 

Javier made 12 relief appearances in the playoffs before ever making a start, going 2-1 with a hold and a 3.38 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched. Ahead of Game 3, Javier had made three starts (3-0), allowing no runs and only two hits while striking out 23 over 16.1 innings. 

As for Jung, the rookie continues to play well while making a little history himself. Jung's long ball helped him become the first rookie in Rangers franchise history to hit multiple home runs in the postseason.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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