Kyle Tucker hits a three-run, two-out home run to give the Astros a 5-0 win over the Red Sox in eighth inning. (0:31).
HOUSTON -- After another pitching performance, the Houston Astros have advanced to the World Series for a third time in five year. They beat the Boston Red Sox by 5-0 in Game 6 in the American League Championship Series.
Houston won the last three games of the best seven series to win it.
After lefty Framber Valdez had thrown eight shutout innings, rookie righty Luis Garcia did almost as well, giving up only one run in 5 2/3 innings. Kike Hernandez had hit a double in the sixth and he was out.
The game's biggest moment came in the seventh inning, when the Red Sox were down by 2-0. Kendall Graveman was facing a pinch hitter, Travis Shaw. Travis Shaw struck out on the 3-2 pitch and Alex Verdugo took off at first base. Minute Maid Park erupted in support of the double play "strike 'em all, throw 'em away" by Martin Maldonado, Astros catcher.
An inning later, the crowd was again enthralled when Kyle Tucker's three-run home run from the opposite field brought an end to the celebrations.
Astros designated hitter Yordan Avarez was the series' hitting star. He had two doubles and one triple in Game 6. Alvarez was awarded ALSC MVP. He drove in a run, scored twice, and hit.522 across six games. Alvarez's 12 hits tied him for the most playoff series in franchise history. His seven hits from the opposite field are tied for the highest total by any player in a postseason series for the past 15 seasons.
The Astros had 45 two-out runs during the series, which was the most for any team in the postseason before the World Series. Houston's remarkable turnaround on the mound was the key to Houston's victory. Astros pitchers gave up just three runs in the last three games after giving up 25 runs over the three previous games.
Garcia was not the only one to win. After suffering from knee discomfort, Garcia made a major mechanical adjustment. The results were amazing. ESPN Stats & Information found that he threw 44 pitches at 95 mph or higher, which is the highest pitch velocity in his entire career. He previously reached a record of 16 in the postseason.
This win brings back Astros manager Dusty Baker, who was last seen in the Fall Classic in 2002. This is second only to Bucky Harris' 21-year gap between World Series appearances.
Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves will be facing the Astros on Saturday. Game 6 in their series is set for Saturday. Atlanta leads by 3-2. Houston will have home-field advantage if the Braves win this series. Game 1 is set for Tuesday. Los Angeles will host the series.
