Josh Jung makes Texas Rangers history in 8-5 loss to Astros ALCS Game 3'

Rookie Josh Jung makes history with two home runs and four RBIs in the Texas Rangers' loss to the Houston Astros.

In a thrilling Game 3 of the American League Championship Series between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros, rookie Josh Jung delivered a historic performance despite the Rangers' 8-5 loss at Globe Life Field. Jung's outstanding display included going 2-for-3 with two home runs and four RBIs, making him the first rookie in Rangers history to achieve such a feat in a postseason game.

The excitement began in the fifth inning when Jung hit a two-run homer, narrowing the Astros' lead to 5-2. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy commended Jung's contribution, acknowledging his ability to bring the team back into contention with his impressive long ball prowess. Bochy stated, "Man, the kid did a great job of getting us back in the game a couple of times. You know, with the long ball, I mean, we weren't doing much off [Christian] Javier, but he came through, and [we were] fighting to get back in it."

Jung's second home run marked a significant milestone for the Rangers, as it was the first multi-home run game by a Rangers player in the playoffs since Nelson Cruz achieved the feat in Game 2 of the 2011 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers. This two-run blast brought the Rangers within striking distance at 7-4.

Although the loss ended the Rangers' seven-game winning streak to start the postseason, they still hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS. The upcoming Game 4, scheduled for Thursday night at Globe Life Field, will feature Andrew Heaney as the Rangers' starting pitcher. Despite the setback, Jung remained focused on the next matchup and how the Rangers would respond, stating, "I mean, we're facing a really good ball club, the defending champs, you know, they're gonna punch you back at some point. Tonight they did that, now it's our turn to respond tomorrow."

Jung's exceptional performance not only solidified his place in Rangers history but also etched his name in MLB history. His multi-home run game marked the 11th time a rookie achieved this feat in MLB history and the second time this postseason, following Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card round.

Throughout the postseason, Jung has been a key contributor to the Rangers' offense, maintaining a batting average of .333 (11 for 33) with three home runs and seven RBIs. His impact extends beyond the playoffs, as he played a crucial role in the Rangers' regular season, batting .266 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs in 122 games. Jung was a top contender for the American League Rookie of the Year award until he suffered a left thumb fracture on August 7, which sidelined him for over a month.

Since returning from his injury, Jung has been batting eighth in the lineup, a change made to maintain lineup continuity. Bochy explained, "Coming off the injury, he was trying to get his timing back, but I think lately the bat's been good. The only reason he's hitting eighth now is that things have been going well, and we didn't want to change it too much."

Despite the loss and the challenges the Rangers face, Jung expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back, drawing on their resilience throughout the season. Jung stated, "We've been in this position all year where we had some highs and then had some lows. We're resilient, we'll come back."

Overall, Josh Jung's historic performance in Game 3 exemplified his impact on the Rangers' postseason journey. As the series progresses, the Rangers will rely on Jung's contributions to help them secure a spot in the World Series.