The Houston Astros’ reputation as the best MLB team in 2022 was heavily tested in Game 1 of the American League Division Series clash against the Seattle Mariners. But like many times before, the Astros found a way to emerge with a 7-8 win, even with the odds stacked against them.
The Astros fell behind early on partly due to the struggles of their ace Justin Verlander with the Mariners holding a confident 7-3 lead throughout seven innings. Houston cut it to 7-5 in the eighth and then set the stage for their All-Star designated hitter Yordan Alvarez to try and steal this one from Seattle at the bottom of the ninth.
The Mariners sent out their Cy Young Award-winning lefty Robbie Ray to face Alvarez, but it made little difference. Alvarez launched Ray’s second pitch into the seats, scoring a three-run walk-off homer to give Houston an unlikely win.
“I think it’s one of the most special moments that I’ve had in my career, having [my parents] there, and even for just the city of Houston,” Alvarez said after the game. “They know that we’re a team that never gives up. So just being able to get that hit right there was one of the most special moments of my career.”
In the second ALDS matchup, the New York Yankees have beaten the Cleveland Guardians 1-4 to take the lead. In the National League’s part of the bracket, the Philadelphia Phillies won Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves, while the LA Dodgers also have a lead in the series against the San Diego Padres.
