Jose Altuve helps Astros reach their second World Series in three years

Jose Altuve (Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons)

Jose Altuve hit one of the biggest home runs in Houston Astros franchise history on Saturday night. Altuve, who is one of the smallest players in Major League Baseball at 5’6″, 165 pounds, broke a 4-4 tie with a two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning off of Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.

Altuve’s game-winning home run, which also scored George Springer, helped the Astros win the game 6-4 and the American League Championship Series four games to two in the best out of seven series. They will now host the Washington Nationals in game one of the 2019 World Series in Houston, TX starting Tuesday from Minute Maid Park.

The Astros needed to win game six on Saturday in the bottom of the ninth inning after Yankees leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu hit a dramatic two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game at four. LeMahieu’s home run scored Gio Urshela, who led off the inning with a single to left field.

Altuve meanwhile was named the American League Championship Series most valuable player. In six games against the Yankees, Altuve batted .348 in 23 at bats.

The fact that the Astros did not need to play game seven is very significant. That is because they can give their starting pitchers some rest before their championship battle against the Washington Nationals. By going with Brad Peacock as the opener in game six, it gives the Astros an opportunity to use ace Gerrit Cole in game one of the best out of seven World Series.