If you have been watching the games, obviously, these two teams meeting in the ALCS isn’t a shock, but I know for a fact that many people probably didn’t have the Rangers tearing it up like this. To be fair, I did pick the Rangers to get to this point, but I didn’t exactly feel confident that their pitching would hold up. Well, it has and they’re looking to get to the World Series for the first time since 2011.

The Rangers offense has been absolutely a terror for opposing pitching. They’re averaging just over 6 runs per game in the postseason and they have had no issues with any of their opponents. They have yet to lose a game in the postseason, but we’ll see how they match up with the Astros. The pitching was the biggest question mark heading into the playoffs, but they have been phenomenal for the most part. Texas’s starters and bullpen have both showed up so far. The majority of their lineup is hitting very well, but I think the big player that needs to step up in this series will have to be Marcus Semien. He is one of their The Rangers pay him handsomely for him to show up in games like this. He has been one of the big blemishes for the Rangers in the postseason, however, up until this point, they haven’t needed him. They will likely need him against the Astros.

The Astros were probably the favorite of most brackets to make it to the World Series and understandably so. They are the most complete team in the AL. They have dominant pitching and loud bats. Houston needed 4 games to take care of the Twins in the ALDS and they happened to be the only team with a WC bye to advance. Yordan Alvarez is their best hitter right now and he will probably be geared up for this series as well. A nice surprise for them has been Jose Abreu. He had the worst statistical season of his career with Houston, but his bat has been hot in the postseason. Their pitching was great during the regular season, but considering the fact that they have only played 4 games, I can’t say how they come out firing. They should have very little problems though.

With all of that being said, I think the Astros probably outmatch the Rangers. As much as I want to pick the Rangers, I don’t think they will advance. The Rangers probably will make it tough on the Stros, but I think Houston moves on.

ASTROS IN 6

Yacs

2023 MLB ALCS Preview