Astros come back from 0-3 deficit to force Game 7 vs. Rays
It's winner-take-all time in the American League Championship Series with a trip to the Fall Classic on the line.
The Houston Astros came back from an 0-3 series deficit against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 7-4 win on Friday to force Game 7.
"You gotta love this team," Astros manager Dusty Baker said following the game, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. "Well, some people hate this team. But you gotta respect this team."
Framber Valdez earned the win, holding the Rays to one run on three hits and three walks over six innings while striking out nine. The rookie left-hander is now 3-1 this postseason.
Blake Snell was hit with the loss after controversially being removed while having a 1-0 lead intact. The left-hander appeared livid leaving the mound in the fifth before reliever Diego Castillo allowed both inherited runners to score.
The 2004 Boston Red Sox are the only team in MLB history to have ever overcome an 0-3 hole. They went on to sweep the World Series after coming back against the New York Yankees in the ALCS and snap an 86-year championship drought.
Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will get the start at Petco Park in San Diego with the top-seeded Rays acting as the home team. Tampa Bay has not yet named its pitcher, but Game 2 starter Charlie Morton is the most likely candidate.
The winner of Saturday's game will head to the World Series against either the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves currently lead that series 3-2.