Astros vs. Twins ALDS Game 3: Jose Abreu responsible for 5 of Houston's runs in series-leading win

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros called Game 3 of the American League Division Series the biggest of their season.

And why not? Their Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Twins did not align with the damage they're capable of causing in the postseason.

So, with pressure on their shoulders, Houston came out swinging, scoring four runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer by Jose Abreu, to jump-start a 9-1 Astros win.

The 'Stros, who own a 2-1 ALDS lead, can close out the Twins in Minneapolis and clinch their record seventh consecutive AL Championship Series appearance when Game 4 unfolds Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT. Game 5, if necessary, would be played on Friday in Houston.

Houston registered a hit in every inning against Minnesota starting pitcher Sonny Gray, who seemed unhittable based on prior experience with the Astros' lineup.

PREVIOUS STORY: Astros get chance to regroup after ALDS Game 2 loss as front office gets shake-up

Heading into Tuesday, Gray held the current Houston lineup to just 34 hits, including nine extra-base hits, over his career. Only Abreu had a home run against Gray all-time, and on Tuesday, the first baseman reinforced that fact with a 442-foot blast to leftfield.

Gray was ultimately chased out in the fifth inning after giving up eight hits, including a second Astros homer to Alex Bregman, and five runs.

Yordan Alvarez homered for the third straight game, going yard in the ninth inning, where Abreu smacked a second home run and scored two runs two batters later.

The Astros' starter, Cristian Javier, kept the Twins in check, allowing a hit, five walks, and no runs through five innings pitched. Game 3 was Javier's first postseason start since pitching six innings as part of a combined no-hitter during Game 4 of last year's World Series.

Houston's lone run allowed was an RBI single off of Phil Maton that brought home Carlos Correa in the sixth inning. The same inning also was the stage for what might have been a game-saving double play that started with Jeremy Peña's grab of a groundball as he fell to the dirt.

Javier was backed up by a different-looking lineup than those in Games 1 and 2. Manager Dusty Baker inserted rookie Yanier Diaz as the designated hitter and Mauricio Dubon in centerfield, and took out Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick, who each registered a hit in the first two games. Dubon was the only one of the two additions to register a Game 3 hit.

The win also solidified Houston's road dominance. The 'Stros were 51-30 as visitors this season, compared to a 39-42 record at MMP.

Who starts Game 4?

The Astros were presented some options when they set up their ALDS roster, which included JP France and Jose Urquidy, who each had starts this season. They also could turn to Game 1 starting pitcher Justin Verlander on four days' rest.

But it appears Dusty Baker will use Urquidy for the potential close-out game Wednesday.

ESPN lists Joe Ryan as Minnesota's Game 4 starter.

Urquidy hasn't started a postseason game since Oct. 27, 2021, when he was the World Series Game 2 starting pitcher against the Atlanta Braves. His last playoff appearance was on Nov. 1, 2022, when he pitched three innings of relief ball in Houston's blowout loss in Game 3 of the World Series against Philadelphia.

2023 ALDS schedule and results, Astros lead 2-1

• Game 1: Astros 6, Twins 4
• Game 2: Twins 6, Astros 2
• Game 3: Astros 9, Twins 1
• Game 4: Houston at Minnesota, Wednesday, 6:07 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 the 2023 postseason run

Astros not just facing Twins in Game 3: 'Shadows are a factor'

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

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

Former Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa sets foot back in Minute Maid Park as he faces his former team for a chance at a World Series.

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

The Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins will be playing under a closed Minute Maid Park roof for the first two ALDS games, the ballpark announced.

Calling all Party Animals! Savannah Bananas coming to Houston

They're not for everybody, but if you like entertainment with your baseball, the Savannah Bananas are your team. They're heading to Sugar Land, and they're a hot ticket!

Astros start playoff run with hopes of ending 23-year MLB drought

The Houston Astros are 11 wins away from continuing a dynasty from last year. They're also that many victories from snapping a two-decade-long drought in baseball.

Houston Astros given slightly better odds to pull out ALDS win over Twins ahead of Game 1

The Houston Astros will send Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez to the mound during the first two games of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins.

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

Beef over banana pudding? That was one thing an Astros beat reporter put out to the world at one point of the season. It turns out, that dessert had Dusty Baker coming back for more.

Astros playoffs: JV wins award, inside odds of Houston winning AL West

The Houston Astros get a well-earned five-day break before their AL Division Series against one of two teams.

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