Coach Bruce Bochy, a three-time World Series winner, was different. He made a strong effort by relieving Jordan Montgomery, who had become a postseason ace in the game.
The Texas Rangers played Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, on the 24th (Korean time).
A final battle with no place to retreat. Coach Bochy’s choice was bold. With a 4-2 lead, one out, and third base, starting pitcher Max Scherzer was removed from the mound when Michael Brentley was at bat.
This substitution was made because if Scherzer gets a hit in this situation and the score goes to 4-3, the game could go in an unknown direction.
After removing Scherzer from the mound, Coach Bocch brought in Montgomery, who started Game 5 of the ALCS on the 21st and threw 82 pitches.
For players, this may be unreasonable. However, Montgomery, who was reborn as a postseason man this fall, caught Brentley with two outs and runners on third base. Maintaining a 4-2 lead.
Afterwards, Texas ran away to 8-2 in the 4th inning with Evan Carter and Adolis Garcia hitting 2 RBIs in a row. A clear victory.
Coach Bochy did not leave out Montgomery even with a 6-point lead. It's reminiscent of Madison Bumgarner, who saved 5 innings in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series.
Montgomery had two hits in the 4th inning but did not allow a run, and in the 5th inning, he caught Jose Abreu and Brentley with one out and one on first base to maintain a six-run lead.
While Montgomery's fight continued, the Texas 셔츠룸 lineup scored two more runs in the sixth inning thanks to Nathaniel Rowe's two-run shot. The game became 10-2.
Montgomery's role lasted until the 5th episode. When the score gap widened to 8 points, Coach Bochy removed Montgomery and brought read more in Josh Sbotz, a sure-to-win teammate.
Montgomery, who made a surprise relief appearance and showed good performance in the game, threw 32 pitches (22 strikes) in 2 1/3 innings that day, allowing three hits and no runs.
While Coach Bochy made a bold choice, Houston Manager Dusty Baker only watched the score gap widen by sticking to relief pitchers after Christian Javier collapsed.