Astros vs Twins ALDS Game 3: Abreu's Homer off Twins' Gray Powers Houston's Lineup

The Houston Astros are facing the Minnesota Twins in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, fighting for their playoff lives.

When the sun sets in the Midwest on Tuesday, the Houston Astros will have a better idea of whether they are one step closer to another World Series championship. However, they may also find themselves fighting for their playoff lives after Game 3 of the American League Division Series.

The series now moves to Minneapolis, where the Minnesota Twins will host the Astros for two games. Both teams split victories at Minute Maid Park over the weekend, setting the stage for an intense battle in Minnesota.

It's worth noting that the Astros have had a tendency to perform better on the road this season. They boasted a 51-30 record as visitors, compared to a 39-42 record at home. This preference for letting down host teams' fans has been a consistent theme throughout the season.

However, the Astros cannot afford to underestimate the challenge they face in Game 3. In Game 2, their bats went silent for seven innings against Minnesota's ace pitcher, Pablo Lopez. Now, they must face Sonny Gray, who has historically held the current Houston lineup to just 34 hits, including nine extra-base hits. Only Astros first baseman Jose Abreu has managed to hit a home run against Gray.

This game will be a true test for the Astros, who need to bring their firepower in a hostile environment. Cristian Javier will be taking the mound for Houston, making his first postseason start since his impressive performance in Game 4 of the World Series last year. His last two playoff wins were shutout performances, with the New York Yankees falling victim to his pitching in last year's AL Championship Series.

Javier will have the support of a slightly different lineup than in Games 1 and 2. Manager Dusty Baker has made some changes, inserting rookie Yanier Diaz as the designated hitter and Mauricio Dubon in centerfield. With Yordan Alvarez starting in leftfield, the Astros have chosen to go without Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick, who both had hits in the first two games.

The game will kick off at 3:07 p.m. at Target Field. Stay tuned for updates throughout the game, and be sure to watch Eyewitness News as ABC13 Sports goes live from the Twin Cities.

If only one ALDS Game 5 remains on Friday, Oct. 13, the game will be at 7:03 p.m.

In addition to facing the Twins, the Astros must also contend with the challenge of playing in the late afternoon shadows, which can affect visibility on the field. This adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes game.

Furthermore, this game holds special significance for Astros player Carlos Correa. He will be playing in Houston as an opponent for the first time, and he has expressed his readiness to seize the moment and make an impact.

The fate of whether the roof at Target Field will be open or closed for the ALDS games will also play a role in the outcome. The decision will have an impact on the playing conditions and could potentially favor one team over the other.

In other news, the Houston community can look forward to an exciting event as the Savannah Bananas, a popular baseball team, will be coming to Houston. This promises to be a fun-filled experience for all the party animals in the city.

The Astros' playoff run is not just about winning games, but also about ending a 23-year MLB drought. The team is determined to bring a championship back to Houston and make history.

As the series progresses, the odds of the Astros pulling out a win over the Twins have slightly improved. Analysts believe that the Astros have what it takes to come out on top in the ALDS.

Off the field, manager Dusty Baker has been making weekly visits to a soul food outpost, where he indulges in delicious desserts. This lighthearted tradition helps him relax and recharge during the intense playoff season.

Lastly, Astros pitcher Justin Verlander has been recognized with an award, highlighting his exceptional performance and contribution to the team. This recognition serves as a reminder of the Astros' potential to win the AL West and make a deep playoff run.

Overall, the Astros are facing a crucial game in the ALDS, and the outcome will have significant implications for their playoff journey. The team must bring their A-game and overcome the challenges they face in order to continue their pursuit of another World Series championship.

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