Gerrit Cole dominant in ALDS Game Two. He recorded 15 strikeouts as the Houston Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game two of the ALDS. Third baseman Alex Bregman blasted a solo home run in the fourth inning to get the scoring started for Houston. In the seventh inning, catcher Martin Maldonado hit a double to left field that scored another run. Tampa Bay tried to keep it close, but Houston prevailed late to go up 2-0 in the series. Cole’s dominating game kept the Rays in check up until the eighth inning. He only allowed one walk. But, Cole threw a career-high 118 pitches.
Gerrit Cole Dominant In Game Two
Game Two of the ALDS was all the Astros. The team recorded seven hits and only gave up four. Veteran pitcher Cole was a major part of the dominating win. The Cy Young candidate definitely staked his claim to win the award with his outing on Saturday. His 15 strikeouts set an Astros record for a post-season game.
Gerrit Cole only allowed four hits in Saturday night’s game. Carlos Correa went 2-4 and drove in a run. Cole only gave up one walk. His pitching has been a dynamic asset for Houston this season. Since acquiring him from Pittsburgh, Cole has been spectacular. The series heads to Tampa Bay on Monday for Game 3. Should Houston win, they will advance to the ALCS for the third straight season. That’s an impressive feat that the Astros could be looking at.
Rays Score Late
The Rays got their first extra-base hit in the eighth inning from Kevin Keirmaier. His hit silenced the Houston crowd. Searching for a monumental win, the Rays scored one run in the top of the ninth inning. Tampa Bay had trouble all night long with getting solid hits off of Cole. Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the ninth inning and scored one run. But, Will Harris came on in relief and recorded the final two outs. The Rays almost struck gold late in the game. However, they couldn’t capitalize and are down 0-2 in the series. Blake Snell gave up four hits in his start.
Houston is certainly chasing a second World Series title. It would be the franchise’s second in three seasons. With a two-headed monster in Cole and Justin Verlander, opposing teams will have a tough time earning hits. Everything in the post-season is earned, not given. The veteran pitcher made sure of that in Game Two. Heading into Game Three, the Astros are in a good position. The pitching has been dominant through two games. If the offense can continue this trek, this team will be scary the rest of the way. One determining factor for the post-season was Houston’s pitching. Through two games, that aspect has been outstanding.
What Lies Ahead
With Zach Greinke set to pitch on Monday, the Tampa Bay Rays are in trouble. Getting a win in Game Three would swing the momentum. However, the Astros have been a tough team to deal with so far. If they can keep it going, the ALCS is in their sights. All aspects are in their favor. They just have to deliver in Game Three. Cole and Verlander gave this team the left it needed to make a run. It’s time to take it back and win the World Series. But, will the pitching be able to keep dominating? With two great outings, the odds are in Houston’s favor.
