If the Rangers complete their comeback in Game 3 of the ALCS, they'll have centerfielder Leody Taveras to thank.
LEODY TAVERAS ROBS A HOME RUN! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/HkCDT4JGsp
— MLB (@MLB) October 19, 2023
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez appeared to extend Houston's lead to 6-2 on a deep shot to center field but Taveras had another idea.
He expertly timed the fly ball and reached over the outfield wall, snagging it and keeping a run off the board.
The Rangers fell in an early 5-0 hole but third baseman Josh Jung hit a two-run blast in the bottom of the fifth to breathe fresh life into the home crowd. The defensive play by Taveras gave the crowd even more juice.
Texas leads the series 2-0 and seeks to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Only one team in MLB history (2004 Red Sox) has successfully erased a 3-0 series deficit, making Game 3 a massive one for Houston and Texas.
As excellent as Taveras's defensive play was, it will be even more fondly remembered if it inspires a Rangers win.
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