Astros Ace Continues Late Season Struggles in ALDS

The Houston Astros felt good heading into Game 2 of the ALDS with their ace on the mound, but he struggles once again in a late season start creating more concerns about the starting rotation.

The Houston Astros were feeling good heading into Game 2 of the ALDS.

They put together a great offensive performance in the first game of their 6-4 victory that saw their star hitters come through once again.

With Framber Valdez on the mound for the second game, it was expected that they'd take care of business again facing an inexperienced Minnesota Twins team.

After all, Valdez has been a big time performer for the Astros in the postseason, coming into the game with a 7-2 playoff record and 3.41 ERA.

But there were also some red flags surrounding the lefty heading into this important start.

He had a 5-5 record with a 4.66 ERA in 14 starts following the All-Star break and had given up nine earned runs over 9 1/3 innings during his last two regular season starts.

Those red flags became a reality on Sunday night after Valdez gave up five earned runs.

Before they could blink, Houston was in a 3-0 deficit after their ace gave up an RBI double in the first inning and a two-run homer in the second inning.

Giving up early runs plagued the Astros late in the year and Game 2 was no different.

Once again, Houston's lineup was unable to dig themselves out of the hole they were put into by the starting staff, only scoring two runs late in the eighth inning during the 6-2 loss.

This is a major concern for the Astros going forward.

They were able to overcome these issues during the 162-game regular season, but stakes change in the playoffs.

Every game matters more. Every game could be the end to their year.

Now, Houston has to go on the road with the series tied 1-1, needing to secure a victory to extend the ALDS.