MLB Decides Globe Life Field Roof for Texas Rangers, Houston Astros ALCS Game 3
For the first time since May 21, the roof will be open for a baseball game at Globe Life Field.
Major League Baseball made the decision for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.
MLB, no the team, decides whether the roof would be open or closed for the game, which is league policy for the postseason.
John Blake, executive vice president of public affairs for the Texas Rangers, tweeted that the decision was made based on “criteria used during the regular season.”
"Consistent with the guidelines used during the regular season, Major League Baseball has determined that the Globe Life Field roof will be open for tonight’s ALCS Game 4," Blake tweeted. "It will be the first time GLF roof has been open for a Rangers game since May 21 vs. Colorado.
League rules outline that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, or a designee, makes all decisions on roof movements. MLB can consult the home club and the crew chief for the umpires that will call the game.
Per The Dallas Morning News, both teams requested the roof be closed for Game 3, but the Rangers requested the roof be open for Game 4. At that point, the league considered the Rangers' criteria for the roof being open and approved it being open.
Despite Houston manager Dusty Baker saying that he thought an agreement was in place to keep both roofs closed, MLB confirmed there was not.
The Rangers' criteria for opening the roof include if the temperature during the game is expected to drop below 65 or rise above 80. The roof is usually closed if the humidity is expected to be above 50 percent.
One of the factors considered is the surface of the concourse and other concrete walking surfaces in the ballpark. These surfaces can become slick in high humidity, so keeping the roof closed prevents those issues.
Temperatures at game time are expected to be in the 70s. First pitch is set for 7:03 p.m., with Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney facing Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy. The Rangers lead the series, 2-1.
ALCS Results Rangers lead 2-1
Game 1: Rangers 2, Astros 0
Game 2: Rangers 5, Astros 4
Game 3: Astros 8, Rangers 5
Game 4: Thursday at Globe Life Field, 7:03 p.m. (FS1)
Game 5*: Friday at Globe Life Field, 4:07 p.m. (FS1)
Game 6*: Sunday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (FS1)
Game 7*: Monday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (Fox/FS1)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
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