HOUSTON, — Two of the newest Houston Astros players helped one of baseball’s oldest managers win a second chance at a most elusive title.
Rookie Luis Garcia displayed the poise of an October ace and MVP Yordan Avarez did more damage at plate, and the Astros made it to the World Series. They beat the Boston Red Sox 5-5 in Game 6 of their AL Championship Series.
Garcia and Alvarez are both 24 years old and rising, while Dusty Baker, a 72-year-old manager, will open the World Series. The World Series will be played at either Dodger Stadium or at home against Atlanta. Los Angeles leads the Braves 3-2 going into Game 6.
Baker stated, “There are four more wins out there.” “You have four more wins to achieve.”
The Astros reached the World Series for the first time in five seasons. They won the 2017 championship, a title marred by the sign-stealing scandal. In 2019, they lost seven games to the Washington Nationals.
Garcia pitched no-hit ball until the sixth inning. After Kike Hernandez’s triple, there was a big ovation and two outs. Garcia was impressive in his bounce-back performance. He started Game 2, giving up a grand, but then he left with no outs in Game 2.
Garcia stated, “I’m not a pro but I know what I can do.”
Alvarez’s scorching streak continued a year ago, after he watched at home after undergoing surgery to his knees. The Astros were just one game away from the World Series. Alvarez, a slugging designated hitter, went 4 for 4. He also had a triple and two doubles. He was a leader in Game 5 with three hits, three RBIs and a win.
Alvarez set an ALCS record of.522 (12 out 23), with one homer and three doubles. He also had six RBIs during Houston’s six-game win. In his 13 last at-bats, he scored nine runs.
Houston led 2-0 with Catcher Martin Maldonado making the defensive play on the strikeout-throwout double to end the seventh.
Baker will be making his second trip to Fall Classic as a manager, and the first since 2002 when he led the San Francisco Giants to NL pennant. Baker was a Dodgers player and won it all three times in 1981.
Baker announced to a cheering crowd at Minute Maid Park, “Hey, it’s me going back to World Series!”
