Alvarez Produces Once Again In Clutch Moment For Astros
Coming to the plate against a tough left-handed pitcher is nothing new for Yordan Alvarez.
Rewind back to Game 6 of the World Series last season when Alvarez blasted a three-run home run against Jose Alvarado which ultimately carried the Houston Astros to a six-game World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
On Friday, Alvarez stepped into the batter’s box to face Jake Diekman and ripped a three-run double which led to a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Alvarez clearly seems to revel in high-pressure situations.
“I think everybody knows I've been in those moments before,” Alvarez said. “I just tried to stay calm, try to get a good pitch to hit and we got the result.”
Alvarez’s double wasn’t quite as electric as his 450-foot shot off Alvarado, but it was still quite a feat against a tough lefty such as Diekman.
“I saw that they went out and talked to the pitcher, the trainer came out for a little bit,” Alvarez said. “I figured they were going to be stalling a little bit, so I prepared myself and knew I was going to face the lefty. I faced him before and I was ready.”
When you have a left-handed hitter such as Alvarez who can hit for contact and for power against both righties and lefties, it makes for matchup problems.
For the opponent.
For Astros manager Dusty Baker, it’s a distinct advantage.
“We’ve seen it over and over and over again,” Baker said. “The guy’s been a big-time run-producer. … We feel very confident when he’s at the plate. The fans feel confident because they’ve seen it a number of times. He hits lefties so well, (as) the opposing manager, it’s something you almost have to do. If you don’t bring the lefty in, they’re going to ask why you didn’t bring in a lefty. You’re still trying to play the odds. The guy’s been great.”
Alvarez had a sore left hand in spring training and had only seven at-bats. Clearly, that wasn’t an issue.
He appears more than ready.
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