ALDS Game 3 Preview: facts and storylines for Astros vs. Mariners

Mandatory Credit: Photo by David J Phillip/AP/Shutterstock (13393898d) Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game, in Houston Athletics Astros Baseball, Houston, United States – 15 Sep 2022

ALDS Game 3 Preview: facts and storylines for Astros vs. Mariners

It may not have been in the dominating fashion many would have expected. Still, the resulting series record where Houston sits ahead 2-0 is exactly where Astros fans thought this series would be after two games at Minute Maid Park. The ALDS shifts to Seattle for at least Game 3 on Saturday, and if the Mariners avoid the sweep with a win, a Game 4 as well.

At least at the first pitch, the story of the game will be Seattle finally getting playoff baseball back in their city. Once things settle in, though, there is more to keep an eye on. 

Game Facts

When: Saturday, 10/15/2022, 3:07 p.m. Central. 

Where: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, Washington.

TV/Streaming: TBS / Watch TBS App

Pitching Matchup: Lance McCullers Jr. (4-2, 2.27 ERA) vs. George Kirby (8-5, 3.39 ERA). 

Series: Houston leads 2-0.

Series Schedule

Date & Time (Central)LocationPitching Matchup
Game 1Final: HOU 8, SEA 7Minute Maid Park, HoustonVerlander vs. Gilbert
Game 2Final: HOU 4, SEA 2Minute Maid Park, HoustonValdez vs. Castillo
Game 3Sat 10/15, 3:07 p.m.T-Mobile Park, SeattleMcCullers Jr. vs. Kirby
Game 4*Sun 10/16, 2:07 p.m.T-Mobile Park, SeattleVerlander vs. Gilbert
Game 5*Mon 10/17, 4:07 p.m.Minute Maid Park, Houston Javier vs. Ray
* If necessary.

Game Storylines

Overcoming the hostile crowd

Seattle has not had the chance to cheer on the Mariners in a postseason game since 2001. The ones that show up to T-Mobile Park on Saturday are sure to let the Astros know that despite being down 2-0 in the series, they are behind their team and want to disrupt Houston any way they can.

For Lance McCullers Jr., he’ll need to deal with the crowd while on the mound. A scoreless bottom of the first inning will go a long way in taking what is likely a rabid crowd out of it early. Even better, maybe McCullers Jr. can take the mound with a lead to work with. 

Houston needs more bats to get in on the action

While Astros fans greatly appreciate the clutch hits by Yordan Alvarez, they will need to get more of their lineup involved if they want to go far this postseason. It starts with Jose Altuve, who often leads the offense from the leadoff position. 

As Altuve goes, so goes the offense, is a common observation of the Houston attack. He’ll get the chance to set the tone for Game 3, as he will dig into the batter’s box as the game’s first batter. If he can start things off with a hit to quiet what is sure to be a loud and rowdy crowd, it could go a long way toward helping the Astros build early momentum that they hope to sustain the entire game. 

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