ARLINGTON, TEXAS.- When Yordan Álvarez is healthy, what he is capable of doing with the bat is inexplicable. This was pointed out by manager Joe Espada after the Cuban hit two home runs in the Houston Astros’ 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers.
“I can’t,” was exactly the phrase the strategist said when asked to detail what the Cuban was doing, who with the two home runs of the night reached five in the last three games and became the player in the history of the club to reach 20 home runs the fastest. He only needed 53 games.
Álvarez makes history with the Astros
“Interesting, I just found out, I think, you know? It makes me very happy. We know that in the future my name will be heard,” said the offensive figure of the Astros, who aims to be invited to the All-Star Game and be among the strong candidates for the Most Valuable Player of the American League.
The Cuban’s 19th home run, which tied the score at Globe Field Life, came in the fourth inning against the pitches of Jacob DeGrom.
“There wasn’t much I could do in that first at-bat. I was joking with the guys that he hit me PlayStation style, around the corners, and, well, then I was able to make the adjustment in the second at-bat. I think I kept an eye on the slider and was able to find it,” said the Astros designated hitter after the hit that sent 428 feet across center field, after hitting the ball at an exit velocity of 109.3 miles per hour.
“It feels pretty good, it feels pretty good. I think I seem to like this stadium. I see the ball really well here.” And his words are supported by hits from feature films. With the two home runs of the day, he now has 17 in the current Rangers stadium.
In the eighth inning Álvarez served the ball again. This time against the pitches of Tyler Alexander, who after three balls tried to deceive him with an 80 mph sweeper in the lower outside corner and was punished by the Cuban’s power.
“If you knew that was the plan, to take a strike. Then, when I got to 3-0, well, I said, I’m going to swing, but don’t hurry, ‘stay in the middle,’ and, well, I was able to recognize the pitch well.”
Álvarez’s great offensive moment comes a few days after he had to leave a game in Chicago, against the Cubs, due to lower back discomfort.
But that has not been an impediment to annihilating rival pitchers, to the point that in the ninth inning with a difference of one run, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker – former Miami Marlins helmsman – decided to intentionally walk him even though he knew he had to face the also powerful Christian Walker.
“No, I never go with that mentality (of receiving a walk). I always go, you know, prepared to face the pitcher. I think I prefer to be surprised by the situation and not be losing that,” he concluded.
