Is Cristian Javier the Astros' Best Postseason Pitcher?

The Houston Astros needed a dominant pitching performance from Cristian Javier in Game 3 and he delivered once again. It seems like the right-hander is always up to the task in the postseason.

The Houston Astros hit the road for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series feeling confident.

Not only were they one of the best road teams in the MLB during the regular season, but they were going to the Texas Rangers' ballpark where they have dominated this year.

The Astros also were confident because of who was taking the mound for them.

Despite the star names of Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez at the top of their rotation, it's been Cristian Javier who has come through for Houston during the playoffs the past two years.

The right-hander was facing Max Scherzer on the other side with the Astros desperately needing a win to avoid a 3-0 hole.

Like he has done so many times before, Javier delivered once again.

He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs on three hits. He didn't give up his first hit until the fifth inning, when Rangers' first baseman Nathaniel Lowe recorded a two out single.

Josh Jung hit a two-run homer one batter later and those were the only runs Javier allowed in the game.

According to ESPN Stats and Info, Houston's starter set a record with his performance on Wednesday.

He has held opponent's to the lowest batting average through four starts in MLB postseason history with a .071.

Javier might not have the name recognition of Verlander or Valdez, but he's performed better than both of them the past two playoff runs.

In six starts for Verlander, he has a record of 3-1 with a 4.19 ERA.

Valdez has a 3-2 record across six starts with an ERA of 3.66.

Then there's Javier, who has a 4-0 record in five starts with an ERA of 1.16.

A stark difference between the top three starters in the rotation.

There's a reason why the 26-year-old has earned his reputation as a primetime performer.

He also just might be the pitcher that the Astros should trust the most when it comes to the MLB Playoffs.