Major League Baseball

Jose Altuve homers as Astros beat Rangers: ALCS Game 3 highlights

Updated Oct. 18, 2023 11:32 p.m. ET

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The battle of Texas looks at lot more even after Game 3.

The theme of the 2023 American League Championship Series prior to Wednesday was north Texas, as the Rangers stunned the in-state rival Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Games 1 and 2. 

But away wins have been the theme of the series for Texas-Houston, as the shift to Globe Life Field resulted in a victory for H-Town. 

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer struggled in his first appearance in months, relinquishing five runs to a hungry Astros lineup, which was powered by a Jose Altuve homer. Christian Javier's fiery fastball was working as well, as he gave up just three hits in 5.2 innings of work.

These are the top moments from Game 3 of the 2023 ALCS!

On the board!

The Astros loaded the bases in the second inning beginning with a hit by pitch from Scherzer, who gave up the game's first run on a wild pitch. Martín Maldonado followed with a two-run liner of his own to put the 'Stros up 3-0. It was the first time they led in the ALCS.

It's what he does!

Jose Altuve got a ball right in his sweet spot and did immense damage with it, pounding a screaming shot to left center field to give the Astros a 4-0 lead.

Free swingin' 

Few hitters are as aggressive as Mauricio Dubón. The seven-hole hitter smacked a fastball up the middle for an RBI single, putting Houston up 5-0.

Opposite field strength

After Nathaniel Lowe finally recorded the Rangers' first hit in the fifth inning, Josh Jung brought him home as he rounded the bases thanks to an impressive home run.

WHAT A GRAB!

Well that's one way to keep your home stadium jumping! Yordan Alvarez ripped what looked like a surefire big fly to center, but Leody Taveras trekked backwards to pull in the catch of the series, robbing him of the homer.

Fountain of youth 

Michael Brantley is 36 years old. He sure didn't look like it on this run-and-catch, taking off from his perch in left field to stretch out for a marvelous snag that took away a would-be run for Texas.

Professional hitter

It wasn't a homer, but Alvarez got redemption with a pair of RBIs on this single with the bases loaded, putting Houston up 7-2.

Jung again!

This guy just gets big hits. Jung left the yard again on a two-run slam to keep Texas within reach.

Eight-ball

The Astros continued to excel with runners in scoring position, as Jeremy Peña knocked in Houston's eighth run of the contest with a single in the eighth inning.

Keep chipping

The Rangers bats kept swinging away, as Adolis García took an outside pitch to right field to bring Texas within three, 8-5.

Turn two

The Rangers got a man on base to open the ninth inning, but Houston quickly sent Texas packing on a grounder to short, securing the Game 3 win for Houston.

Pregame scene

Scherzer's back!

Mad Max is back on the bump for the Rangers after a long recovery road, and he looked locked in before getting the start.

A talk with Breggy

Alex Bregman talked with Tom Verducci about what his team needed for a win in Game 3.

Get ready for it

It's been a while since the ALCS was played in Dallas. A legend of the city got folks ready for the affair in a way only he could.

Feelin' good

The Rangers seem loose while warming up for just their second home game of these playoffs.

The "Flippin' Bats" crew is enjoying this Texas-themed series, making stops at Buc-ee's and Whataburger during Tuesday's off day.

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Houston Astros

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Major League Baseball

Max Scherzer

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MLB - Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers - 10/19/2023