Astros second baseman Jose Altuve continues to add to an incredible postseason legacy. The two-time World Series champion delivered a win in one of the best games of the playoffs so far, hitting a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to give Houston a 3–2 ALCS lead over the Rangers.
Robert Ford delivered a call to match on the Astros’ radio broadcast on SportsTalk 790 on Friday night. In a battle of powerhouses from the state of Texas, he found a perfect Friday Night Lights-themed capper for the moment.
“It’s gone! It’s gone! It’s gone! It’s gone! Jose Altuve gives the Astros a 5–4 lead! How do you like that?!” Ford exclaimed. “Altuve is the Lone Star once again for the Astros. Clear eyes and a full heart!”
Here is the epic call from @raford3 on the go-ahead Jose Altuve HR in the 9th of ALCS Game 5! @SteveSparks37 @AstrosRadioMLB #Ready2Reign pic.twitter.com/z2pHJxmT0b
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) October 21, 2023
The national television broadcast on FS1 featured a tremendous call in its own right, with Joe Davis exploding with a loud “Altuve … makes the moment again!”
JOSE ALTUVE 3-RUN HOME RUN 😤
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 21, 2023
(via @MLBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/LSDGrySLLC
Altuve’s home run capped a wild game, that really took off an inning earlier, when benches cleared after Houston’s Bryan Abreu plunked Texas slugger Adolis García on the arm with a fastball. García hit his own massive homer in his previous at-bat, and took his time admiring it (and spiking his bat in celebration).
Abreu was ejected for the hit-by-pitch, and after the skirmish on the field, García and Houston manager Dusty Baker joined him.
The series now heads back to Houston for Game 6 on Sunday, as the Astros look to punch their ticket to the Fall Classic. First pitch is scheduled for 8:03 p.m. ET.
