Astros vs Rangers Game 5 of the ALCS: pitchers, lineups, stats, etc.

The Lone Star State is set for an electrifying face-off as the Texas Rangers take on the Houston Astros, and the pitching duel is poised to be a central focus. Jordan Montgomery, representing the Texas Rangers, will take the mound, while the Houston Astros will counter with the seasoned veteran Justin Verlander. It’s a rematch of Game One in the series, in which the Astros found themselves on the losing end, succumbing to the Rangers with a final score of 2-0.

Astros vs Rangers Game 5: pitchers

Texas Rangers

Questions arise regarding his consistency and form as the spotlight falls on Jordan Montgomery. Despite a somewhat tumultuous start in the series, coming off a shaky outing, albeit in a victory against the Baltimore Orioles, Montgomery managed to secure the win. His postseason performance, thus far, deserves recognition. The left-hander, known for his resilience, displayed his mettle with an impressive seven innings of shutout baseball on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays. Game One against the Astros also saw him shine, further solidifying his reputation.

With this pivotal matchup at home, Montgomery aims to continue his strong performance, particularly in Texas, where he has exhibited a higher level of play since donning the Rangers’ uniform. His statistics on the road have been commendable, with a 1.67 ERA and a 3.82 ERA, accompanied by an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 35 to 6. His efficiency down the stretch, characterized by two consecutive starts of six-plus innings yielding just one run or less, bodes well for the Rangers.

Houston Astros

On the opposing side, the Astros entrust their fortunes to the ever-dependable Justin Verlander. Renowned for his postseason prowess, Verlander is a force to be reckoned with. Although he has encountered challenges, he remains a strong candidate for a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. His performance in the ALDS, where he delivered a six-inning shutout against the Minnesota Twins, was like a his personal essay to the HoF committee at Cooperstown.

Game One of the series witnessed Verlander’s performance, which, while not subpar, saw him concede two runs over 2 2/3 innings. It was, in essence, an unfortunate outcome, given the caliber of the veteran pitcher. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, with the series outcome hanging in the balance. Whether the Rangers can push the Astros to the brink or if the contest winner secures a crucial advantage in the best-of-three series, one thing remains clear - it’s a game where the first team to falter might pay a hefty price.

Astros vs Rangers Game 5: lineups

Texas Rangers

Houston Astros