ARLINGTON, Texas — Jose Altuve thrives under pressure for the Houston Astros, with the 5-foot-6 second baseman and leadoff hitter able to stay calm in the biggest October moments.
Yes, even after another bench-clearing fracas against the Texas Rangers.
The reigning World Series champions are one win from a third consecutive American League pennant after Altuve’s three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning of a wild and testy 5-4 victory over in-state division rival Texas on Friday gave the Astros a 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.
“He’s got a high concentration level, because that’s what it takes in big moments like that, is concentration, desire and relaxation all encompassed into one. And everybody can’t do all three of those things,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “This dude is one of the baddest dudes I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some greats.”
Baker wasn’t in the dugout when Altuve hit his 26th career postseason homer, second in MLB history behind Manny Ramirez (29). The skipper was ejected an inning earlier after the dugouts and bullpens emptied during a dustup around home plate.