3 Keys to Rangers Upsetting Astros in ALCS Game 6
By Tyler Maher
2. Jump on Framber Valdez Early
Not only do the Rangers have their ace on the mound tonight, but they're also facing Framber Valdez, who's exactly who they want to see.
Valdez was a complete disaster the last time he faced Texas in game 2. The Rangers pounced on him for 4 runs in the top of the first and never looked back, hanging on for a 5-4 victory. Valdez didn't make it through the third, leaving after giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits and 1 walk in 2 2/3 innings.
That wasn't his only dud this postseason, either. In his previous playoff start against the Minnesota Twins, Valdez got hammered for 7 hits and 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings, taking the loss as well.
In other words, Houston has only lost three games this postseason, and Valdez took the L in two of them. He's like the anti-Eovaldi.
Texas should have a similar game plan against Valdez tonight. Be aggressive swinging the bat and try to jump on him early to give Eovaldi some run support. If that happens, we'll be in very good shape tonight and should be able to win.