Watch: Adolis Garcia hits historic HR off Justin Verlander

Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of Game 5 in the ALCS. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Rangers RF Adolis Garcia hits historic HR off Astros SP Justin Verlander in ALCS

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 20, 2023 7:39 PM ET

Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia hit a monster, three-run, go-ahead home run off Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, helping the future Hall of Famer make dubious major league history.

Garcia's deep shot was the 32nd postseason HR allowed by Verlander in his career, the most by any pitcher ever, per ESPN Stats and Info. The HR gave the Rangers a 4-2 advantage in the sixth inning, putting them in the driver's seat to retake the series lead.

ADOLIS GARCIA GO-AHEAD 3-RUN HOMER!!

: FS1 pic.twitter.com/OQaHwrv6Pf
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 20, 2023

Verlander entered Game 5, trailing only Clayton Kershaw (30) and Andy Pettitte (31) for the unflattering mark, but gave up bombs to first baseman Nathan Lowe and Garcia. The trio are the only hurlers to give up 30 or more long balls in the playoffs.

Garcia's HR may swing the momentum in the ALCS. Earlier in the inning, the Rangers had fallen behind the Astros, 2-1, and it could've been much worse if not for an incredible defensive play by second baseman Marcus Semien to close out the frame.

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 X at @mike__sb

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