LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros celebrates a 5-2 in against the Oakland Athletics in Game Two of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Astros are looking for the sweep over the Athletics.
The Houston Astros finished the regular season with a losing record and entered the postseason retaining their status as villains. Now the team is one win away from making the ALCS.
The Oakland Athletics took home the American League West crown this season and are now staring down yet another painful playoff exit. The Wild Card win over the Chicago White Sox was the first playoff series win for the team since 2006. That was also the last time the A’s made the ALCS.
What to watch for in Game 3
The Athletics need a heroic performance out of starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo. The staff allowed 10 runs in Game 1 and then five more in Game 2 on a day when the offense struggled. Luzardo only lasted 3.1 innings in his start against the White Sox, so fans may be panicking a bit in this elimination game.
Meanwhile, the Astros are cruising. Having postseason experience is a real benefit and that clubhouse knows what it takes to compete for a World Series. They have taken the hate thrown toward them for cheating and twisted it into a crude form of motivation. Whatever it takes.
George Springer hit two home runs in Game 2 after going 4-5 in Game 1. Even Jose Altuve is getting on base after a terrible season. The Astros have the A’s on the ropes and this Oakland franchise has shown no fight in such situations since last winning the World Series in 1989.
How to live stream Game 3
First pitch is set for 3:35 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on TBS. Fans can also find live streams of the game via the MLB streams subreddit.