The Houston Astros are a team that you can never count out. The past seven years have proven that, as they made it to the ALCS each season, won the AL pennant four times, and won the World Series twice. Even though the team failed to have much success at home this postseason run, they do know what it takes to win a pivotal game to advance in the postseason. On Monday night, they had the chance to make it to the World Series for the fifth time in those seven years.
Instead, the Astros were embarrassed at home, losing 11-4 to the Texas Rangers. The Rangers, led by manager Bruce Bochy, never let their foot off the gas pedal, scoring run after run after run to ensure that an Astros comeback wouldn't come to fruition.
As is the case for every game lost by a team, it's time to play the blame game. Here are three Astros who should be credited for the loss.
Cristian Javier had the worst start imaginable for Astros
The Astros were seemingly at an advantage in terms of the starting pitching matchup. Cristian Javier, who helped throw a no-hitter in the World Series last year, would take on Max Scherzer, who gave up five earned runs in four innings in the Game 3 loss. The odds were seemingly in their favor, but then Game 7 happened.
After getting second baseman Marcus Semien to ground out, the wheels fell off for Javier. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager crushed a solo home run to right-center field to take an early 1-0 lead. From there, Javier walked outfielder Evan Carter on five pitches, followed by RBI singles to outfielder Adolis Garcia and designated hitter Mitch Garver to put Houston in a 3-0 hole. But after a single allowed by catcher Jonah Heim, manager Dusty Baker pulled Javier from the game after getting just one out.
This set the tone for the Astros night and forced Baker to lean upon his already overworked bullpen early. That's not ideal for Houston, as they are now heading home.
J.P. France made things worse for Houston when entering in relief
The Houston Astros weren't that far out of getting back into the game, as they entered the top of the fourth inning trailing 4-2. Manager Dusty Baker called upon relief pitcher J.P. France to replace Hunter Brown. Well, France didn't help matters.
France immediately surrendered a single to third baseman Josh Jung but managed to strike out outfielder Leody Taveras. Things only got worse, as France walked Marcus Semien, allowed a single by shortstop Corey Seager, a two-run double by outfielder Evan Carter, and a two-run single by outfielder Adolis Garcia to increase Houston's deficit to 8-2.
That's a brutal stretch for France. After getting designated hitter Mitch Garver to pop out, France was chased from the game on a single by catcher Jonah Heim.
In 0.2 innings, France allowed four earned runs on five hits to increase his ERA to 12.00 this postseason.
France keeping the Astros within two runs would have done wonders for them, as that deficit is nothing for them. Yet, he increased it by four and made a Game 7 victory that much less attainable.
Michael Brantley going hitless at worst possible time
The Houston Astros had their chances to get back in the game, even though the scoreboard said otherwise. On the night, the team had 11 runners stranded on base and were 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position. When it comes to who was the worst in those positions, it had to be outfielder Michael Brantley.
Houston's veteran outfielder had three opportunities to drive in runners the entire game. In the first inning, Brantley grounded into a double play with Yordan Alvarez on third base and Jose Abreu on first to close out the frame. Brantley lined out in the bottom of the third with Alvarez on third again to end the inning. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, Brantley popped out with Alex Bregman on second base.
Overall, Brantley was 0-for-3 with four runners in scoring position. On the night, Brantley went 0-for-5 with no strikeouts. In five games played in this ALCS, the outfielder went 2-for-17 with one double, one RBI, and three strikeouts.
It was a series to forget for Brantley, and going hitless in five at-bats in a win-or-go-home game for Houston has to sting tremendously.
