Rangers vs Astros ALCS Game 6: Pitchers, Lineups, Stats

Reigning MLB champions, the Houston Astros, are one win away from returning to the World Series after a dramatic Game 5 win.

On Sunday night, the highly anticipated Game 6 of the NLCS will take place between the reigning MLB champions, the Houston Astros, and the Texas Rangers. With the Astros just one win away from securing a spot in the World Series, the pressure is on for both teams to perform at their best.

The Astros faced a setback in the beginning of the series, losing the first two games to the Rangers. However, they quickly turned things around and won three consecutive games. What's even more impressive is that all three wins took place at the Rangers' home field, Globe Life Field. The Astros have been dominant at this stadium throughout the 2023 season, boasting a remarkable 9-1 record. Their success extends beyond the regular season, as they also hold a 6-1 record and a perfect 3-0 record in the postseason at Globe Life Field. The Astros' most recent victory in Game 5 was particularly thrilling, with Jose Altuve hitting a three-run homer in the top of the 9th inning to secure the win. Now, the Astros are on the brink of returning to the World Series for the third consecutive season and the fifth time in the last seven years.

Looking ahead to Game 6, the Astros are expected to start left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez. Valdez last played on Monday, and this will be his 32nd start of the season. Throughout the year, Valdez has maintained a solid record of 12-11 as a starter, with an ERA of 3.45 and an impressive 200 strikeouts in just over 198 innings pitched. Facing the Rangers' offense, which ranks second in MLB with 1470 total hits and a .263 batting average, Valdez will need to be at the top of his game.

On the other side, the Rangers will likely turn to right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi for Game 6. Eovaldi, 33 years old and an established pitcher, last played on Monday as well. This will be his 26th start of the season, and he brings with him an ERA of 3.63 and an average of 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Eovaldi has been in excellent form, finishing eight appearances this season without allowing an earned run. The Rangers' chances of extending the series will heavily depend on Eovaldi's ability to contain the Astros' potent offense, which ranks fifth in the league and has hit .259 for the season with 222 home runs.

As the game approaches, fans eagerly await the showdown between these two talented teams. The outcome of Game 6 will determine whether the Astros secure their spot in the World Series or if the Rangers can force a decisive Game 7. The stakes are high, and both teams will be giving it their all to come out on top.

Projected lineups for both teams are as follows:

Houston Astros:
1. Jose Altuve (2B)
2. Michael Brantley (LF)
3. Alex Bregman (3B)
4. Yordan Alvarez (DH)
5. Carlos Correa (SS)
6. Yuli Gurriel (1B)
7. Kyle Tucker (RF)
8. Martin Maldonado (C)
9. Chas McCormick (CF)

Texas Rangers:
1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (SS)
2. Leody Taveras (CF)
3. Adolis Garcia (RF)
4. Nate Lowe (1B)
5. Joey Gallo (DH)
6. Jonah Heim (C)
7. Nick Solak (LF)
8. Andy Ibanez (2B)
9. Charlie Culberson (3B)