Astros Advance to ALCS

The Houston Astros have advanced to the American League Championship Series after defeating the Red Sox at Fenway Park Monday evening.

Game 4

The Astros won the series 3-1 in game 4 advancing them to their first ALCS presented by Camping World. While the Red Sox will head home.

Pitching in relief for the first time since 2012, Boston’s Chris Sale, entered in the 4th inning pitching a scoreless four scoreless innings. Sale threw 45 of his 65 pitches for strikes, allowed two runs with no walks and six strikeouts.

The Astros also used ace pitcher Justin Verlander who made his first career relief appearance. Verlander entered the 5th inning with the Astros leading 2-1 but gave up a two-run homer to his first batter, Andrew Benintendi.

During the post-game interview, Verlander said he prefers to start but coming out of the bullpen for the first time ever was a pretty interesting experience.

Farrell’s Thoughts on the Game

Boston’s Manager John Farrell had quite a tough night starting with his ejection from the game after a confrontation with the umpire. Farrell said in the press conference after the game that he was sticking up for his player and said he was surprised by the ejection.

Although he was not in the dugout for the remainder of the game Farrell keep tabs on his team. He said that the Astros who hit, .333 in the series, the team’s highest mark ever in a playoff series,  are a very good team but he is disappointed that Boston did not meet all of their goals.

Up Next

Although the Astros advance to their first ALCS, manager AJ Hinch says the team has one more challenge before meeting the ultimate goal. That challenge begins with Game 1 of the ALCS set for Friday against the winner of the Indians-Yankees. Game 1 would be in Houston if the Yankees win the series, or in Cleveland, if the Indians win.