ALDS Game 2: Houston batters kept in check as Carlos Correa gets revenge

Sunday, October 8, 2023
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros will need to win two of their next three games in the coming days after Minnesota's starting pitcher, Pablo Lopez, held them scoreless for seven innings on Sunday night in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

With Minute Maid Park's roof open and underneath the Texas night sky, Houston starting pitcher Framber Valdez came undone, allowing seven hits and five earned runs, including three driven in by former 'Stro, Carlos Correa, in the Astros' 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Houston's defeat allowed Minnesota to tie up the ALDS at a victory a piece in the best-of-five-game series, which heads to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4. Game 5 would return to Minute Maid Park, if needed.

Correa, who was booed during his at-bats, made Houston fans pay, beginning in the first inning when he hit a double to deep left centerfield to drive in the first run of the game.

After the Twins added two more runs thanks to a Kyle Farmer home run in the second inning, Correa extended the lead, 5-0, in the fifth inning when he hit a single to score two more runs.

The Astros' bats were held in checked due to a solid outing by Lopez, who pitched across seven innings, allowed five hits, and kept Houston from going no farther than second base.

Yordan Alvarez continued to be Houston's bright spot offensively. After Lopez left the game, Alvarez drove a home run to left center to put two runs on the board for the 'Stros in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough to rally the home team.

The AL West champs now become the away team for games on Tuesday and Wednesday, which may work to the team's benefit. Houston won 22 more games on the road than at home this past season.

Game 3 will pit Cristian Javier against Minnesota's Sonny Gray.

2023 ALDS schedule and results, series tied 1-1



Minnesota Twins' Carlos Correa (4) and Houston Astros' Jeremy Pena meet in the outfield before a baseball game Monday, May 29, 2023, in Houston.

AP Photo/David J. Phillip


  • Game 1: Astros 6, Twins 4
  • Game 2: Twins 6, Astros 2
  • Game 3: Houston at Minnesota, Tuesday, 3 p.m.
  • Game 4: Houston at Minnesota, Wednesday, 1:07 p.m.
  • Game 5: Minnesota at Houston, Friday, 3:07 p.m.*+



All times Central Time.

* - if necessary
+ - If only one ALDS Game 5 remains on Friday, Oct. 13, the game will be at 7:03 p.m.

More Astros stories during 2023 postseason run



Correa back in Houston as opponent, says he's ready for his 'moment'

The roof, the roof, the roof, is it open? Fate of outdoor ALDS decided
The roof, the roof, the roof, is it open? Fate of outdoor ALDS decided

Calling all Party Animals! Savannah Bananas coming to Houston
Meet the Savannah Bananas, the baseball team that entertains


Astros start playoff run with hopes of ending 23-year MLB drought
Astros bidding to end 23-year MLB drought during this playoff run


Houston Astros given slightly better odds to pull out ALDS win over Twins ahead of Game 1
Who's up for afternoon baseball? Astros-Twins Game 1 time set


Dessert, not drama: Baker making weekly visits to soul food outpost
Dessert, not drama: Baker making weekly visits to soul food outpost


Astros playoffs: JV wins award, inside odds of Houston winning AL West
Astros get 5-day break after pulling off improbable AL West win


Too much partying? New chapter written in Astros-Rangers feud

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.