CHICAGO -- On Tuesday, the Houston Astros reached their fifth consecutive American League Championship Series by defeating the Chicago White Sox 10-1. This was Game 4 in their best-of-5 division series matchup.
The Astros are now the third team to be in five consecutive league championship series. This is the first time since the Atlanta Braves achieved eight consecutive from 1991 to 1999.
Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. kept the White Sox's offense under control for the second time in five day. He gave up only one home run to designated hitter Gavin Sheets in the second inning.
McCullers only pitched four innings and allowed five hits and three walks. Although he wasn't as sharp in Game 1, he was nearly as efficient. His cause was helped by two double plays. Over the last five innings, the Astros' bullpen was flawless.
Houston erased a deficit of 1-0 in the third inning. Shortstop Carlos Correa doubled to the left field with the bases loaded after White Sox starter Carlos Rodon pitched 0-2. In the fourth, the Astros increased their lead when Alex Bregman, third baseman, doubled on a 3-0 pitch from reliever Garrett Crochet. There were two on. Both scored.
Jose Altuve won the series by hitting a three-run homer against Chicago closer Liam Hendriks at the top of the ninth.
Three uncontested stolen bases were used to help the Astros in the middle innings. Two of these were taken by Kyle Tucker in the fourth sequence.
Both teams were notified after Astros reliever Kendall Graveman struck White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu at the bottom of the eighth.
The White Sox's rotation suffered after leading the American League in ERA over the regular season. They are the fifth team to have an ERA of over 10.00 (11.22 in the playoff series' first four games).
The Astros will be playing against Alex Cora, a former bench coach, in Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday in Houston. They are looking to win the franchise's second title. Tampa Bay was eliminated by the Red Sox with a 6-5 win in Game 4 Monday night.
Altuve stated that Boston's players "know how to play the game." "They've been to the playoffs before so it's going be fun."
Caesars Sportsbook opened Houston as a favorite in the -150 series. Red Sox are currently +130
Houston will host the ALCS's second season under its 72-year old manager Dusty Baker. Baker was responsible for beating Tony La Russa, Chicago's 77-yearold skipper. Baker took over for AJ Hinch who was fired following the Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal, which also led to a one year ban for Cora.
Guaranteed Rate Field was thronged with cheers of "Cheater!" Cheater! Cheater!''
The Astros, who have been used to dealing in boos since the scandal was revealed, just ignored it. Bregman replied to a question about Tepera's remarks after Game 4 was delayed Monday due to rain: "It is all good. We are focused on winning games. That's all.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
