By Juan Páez
Yulieski Gurriel finally woke up for the Houston Astros, but they were beaten on Saturday by the Boston Red Sox, who 9 × 5 were imposed to tie the American League Championship Series to one victory per side. The Yuli not only showed all its power, but it was the crane of the sidereal.
The Cuban first baseman went 4-2, with three RBIs and one scored (.429). First, he hit a two-run RBI single. Later, in the ninth inning, the solo ball disappeared throughout the left field of Minute Maid Park in Houston. It was his first home run this postseason and his first in the playoffs since the 2019 World Series.
Gurriel, who already held the record at 35 years and 143 days, extended his record for the longest-lived Cuban to hit a home run at the October party (37 years, 129 days). When it comes to Astros history, he is second only to the immortal Craig Biggio, who sent the ball flying twice in his 38th year in the 2004 Division Series, when Houston was still in the National League.
The Astros tried to come back in the game and made five lines between episodes four and nine, but it wasn’t enough. The Red Sox ambushed them in the first two innings with a pair of Grand Slams: one by JD Martínez in the first inning against starter Luis García and another by Rafael Devers in the second inning against Jake Odorizzi.
Also by the locals, Yordan alvarez went 3-1, with scored and a ticket (.333), and Aledmys Diaz he struck out on a legal turn as a pinch-hitter (.000).
This Sunday both teams will rest while the series moves to Fenway Park, Boston, for the next three games. If they win all three games at home, the red-legged will advance to the World Series, while Houston is obliged to win at least one to return to Minute Maid Park.
RILEY, THE HERO
The Atlanta Braves started the National League Championship Series in the best way: lowering their rival’s morale and leaving him on the field. In this way, beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3 × 2 in front of 41,815 fans at Truist Park in Atlanta.
The hero of the Tomahawk team was third baseman Austin Riley. With the Braves down on the 2-for-1 scoreboard in the fourth inning of the game, Riley snagged a fastball from Tony Gonsolin and pitched it as far as left field to equalize the commitment.
Later, in the ninth with one out, Ozzie Albies singled off Blake Treinen and stole second base. With Riley facing Treinen, Treinen hit a single that sent Albies running with the final run. Second baseman came safe at home plate and caused an uproar at Truist Park. So Atlanta put an end to the fall night.
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