Astros-Rangers ALCS matchup creates HISTORY, becomes 2nd series failing to produce home wins in seven games

The ALCS series between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers failed to record a home win as the visitors won on every occassion.

Astros-Rangers ALCS matchup creates HISTORY, becomes 2nd series failing to produce home wins in seven games

Texas Rangers won the ALCS (Pic Credit: AP)

One of the most common phrases heard is “Home Sweet Home”. There is no more comfortable place than one’s own home. In the realm of sports, the home field plays a huge part. Teams have been seen recording better stats and performing much better on their own turf with the backing of their fans. This is also the case in most MLB games. However, one exception was seen during the 2023 American League Championship Series (ALCS).

The matchup between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers went all the way down to the wire. The best-of-seven series was decided in Game 7 as the Rangers eliminated the Astros. This seven-game thrilling series, however, failed to produce a single home win.

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The Astros and the Rangers went neck-and-neck in their battle for the American League West Division title. It was the former who came out on top and claimed the title and ensured home advantage for the ALCS. This meant four games were played in Houston, while three were played in Arlington.

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The Rangers came out on top in the first two games. Prior to this, no team had lost a best-of-seven series, after winning the first two away games. Despite the odds against them, the Astros seemed to turn it around as they won three on the bounce on hostile soil. The Rangers then came back to the Minute Maid Park and won Game 6 and 7. This marked just the second time in MLB postseason history that the road team won all seven games of the series.

When was the first time this happened in MLB?

As mentioned above this was just the second time when the road team had won all seven games of a series. Interestingly this feat features only three teams. The Houston Astros were also involved when the first time it happened. It took place during their matchup against the Washington Nationals in the 2019 World Series.

While the Nationals might be in a rebuilding phase now, they stunned the world in 2019. Led by the experienced duo of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg from the mound, the Nats were a formidable foe. The likes of Juan Soto, Trea Turner, and Anthony Rendon all shined for them in this triumph.

Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals with the Commissioner’s trophy (Pic Credit: Washingtonian)

Once again the Astros had the home-field advantage with them. This series followed the same pattern as the ALCS 2023 with the Astros winning Game 3, 4, and 5 in Washington while their opponents won in Game 1, 2, 6, and 7. Another interesting thing was Scherzer started that Game 7 as well.

Home runs from Rendon and Howie Kendrick turned the game around in the seventh inning. The Nats would add more runs and eventually win the series and stun the home crowd.

The Rangers have once again stunned the Minute Maid Park. However, they would be hoping to have a better home performance in the Fall Classic and try to take advantage of their fans’ cheering and support.

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