MLB playoffs 2023: Houston Astros playing ALDS Game 3 with daytime shadows, 50-degree temperatures

The Houston Astros are already calling Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Minnesota their biggest game of the season.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (KTRK) -- The Astros may have lost Game 2 of the American League Division Series, but they have not lost their belief as the best-of-five series shifts to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4.

"I say the confidence of the team is still really high," Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña said on Monday after a workout at Target Field. "This team knows how to play in the playoffs. These guys have been here for what seems like forever."

"It's all about Game 3," Astros third baseman Alex Bregman added. "We've got to go and play well. It's the biggest game of the season."

Despite the high stakes, the Astros will try to keep their cool in the cold. Game 3 of the ALDS, played in Minneapolis, is expected to be the Astros' coldest game since April, when they last visited Minnesota. And with the 3:07 p.m. CT start time on what's forecast to be a sun-splashed day, the Astros are expecting another curveball from Mother Nature.

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"The shadows are a factor," Houston manager Dusty Baker admitted about playing an afternoon game. "They're always a factor, especially when you're playing fall baseball."

So, what's the deal with the shadows at Target Field? You see, while the game is being played in the afternoon sunlight, the hitter's backdrop will be lit up by bright sunshine. However, as the sun sets, the pitcher will be throwing from shadows, making it incredibly difficult at times for batters to pick up the spin of the baseball.

"With the shadows, you really can't usually pick up the breaking ball," Baker noted. "The sun doesn't help, and the lights don't help."

"I always say, 'What's the same on both sides is no advantage,'" Peña said about the shadows expected to be a factor in Tuesday's Game 3. "They have to deal with it. We have to deal with it. No excuses."

"You've got to execute," Bregman simply said. "It's the playoffs. Nobody feels bad. You get the job done."

The 'Stros arrive in Minnesota with no lack of confidence - and no excuses.

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