Michael Brantley takes first base after Kyle Schwarber's error. This set up Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez to hit RBI doubles. Houston is now up 6-0 after Jose Siri hits an RBI single. (2:19).
BOSTON -- Framber Valdez was surprised when Dusty Baker, Houston Astros manager, walked out of his dugout at the fifth inning.
As Houston held a 1-0 lead in the American League Championship Series Game 5, Valdez, no-hitting Boston, entered the fourth inning. Rafael Devers, Boston's third baseman, struck out with a single. J.D. was designated hitter. Martinez's Boston run on first base pushed up the stakes.
As Baker approached Baker's mound, Valdez looked toward the bullpen to check if there was a reliever.
He didn't see anyone there.
Valdez replied to himself, "All right." "Well, it's all right."
Baker pulled his pitcher in with the ALCS balance hanging.
Baker stated, "Frambioso." "Man, you are the best. Be natural, and do what you want.
Valdez did as his skipper said. He instigated a double play by Hunter Renfroe, Red Sox right fielder, and then escaped the trouble by getting Alex Verdugo, Boston left fielder to ground out Yuli Gurriel.
This moment was the most crucial for Houston that evening. Valdez sailed through eight innings, allowing just three hits and striking out five. He also walked one. It was the second consecutive playoff game at Fenway in which he allowed three runs and only one hit.
Through a translator, Valdez stated that "I just need to give thanks God, first and foremost." "I have asked God to allow me to be part this team and be able help this team in any way that I can, and they have placed their trust on me." It is my intention to continue to work to keep it that way."
The start was a moment of redemption. Valdez struggled to get through Game 1 of the ALCS. He went 2.2 innings and allowed six hits, two earned runs, while walking three batters, and striking out two. Valdez promised his teammates that he would pitch at least seven innings his next outing to make up for the poor performance.
Valdez stated, "I felt humiliated following that first outing." "I resolved to not let that happen again."
He became the Astros' first postseason pitcher to complete eight innings, surpassing Gerrit Cole who did the same against the Rays in Game 5 in the 2019 ALDS. Baker had hoped that Valdez would control his entire pitching staff and generate ground balls to help him improve his performance without putting pressure on his hitters. Baker got exactly what Baker wanted. Valdez, who averaged 93.7 mph throughout the evening, leaned on his sinker and accounted for 65 percent of the 93 pitches he received that evening.
Astros starter, who received seven of his 12 swings and misses on his curveball. This was the longest postseason start for a pitcher this year.
Baker stated, "Seems like [he put] the Game 1 start behind him." He kept a good pace. He was relentless in his pursuit of the strike zone, not allowing anyone to stop him from forcing the breaking ball.
The Red Sox failed to score against the Astros despite Boston's strong offensive performance in the first three games. The Astros scored 7-1 with their only run in the seventh inning, a laser home run by Rafael Devers.
Alex Cora, Red Sox manager, said that "their guy was incredible." He was throwing more than usual. The ball was moving. The ball didn't move at all. He deserves credit. Tonight, his sinker was unbelievable. It was unbelievable. He deserves your gratitude and you continue to move forward.
His strong performance was attributed to Valdez's mindfulness practices following the game. After the fifth inning's rocky start, Valdez returned to the dugout and closed his eyes. He then began to meditate, which he uses to reset his mind. He began the process with Andy Nuez, his Dominican Republic psychologist, to control his emotions. It also helps him visualize the success he wants on the mound.
Valdez stated, "That's something I've used every time it's worked out for me 100 per cent." My emotions are not out of control. I'm not in any kind of a coma and stay focused on the task at hand. This is something I've been working on and it really helps me feel calm and center.
Houston is now in control of their destiny and will return home with two chances to win a World Series berth. Houston's third appearance in the World Series would be in Game 6 or possibly Game 7. The last two were in 2017 and 2019.
The Astros required a career-best start by their starting pitcher to win the series and stop the Boston offense.
Baker stated, "This was in Framber's hands."
The Astros are now just one win away with a second World Series title.
