3 Astros Players Who Must Step Up to Back Zack Greinke in Game 3
By Chris Russo
No team has ever come back from down three games to none in the World Series, so game 3 in Washington, D.C. Friday night is essentially a must-win for the Houston Astros.
Pitching in his first World Series, Zack Greinke will have more pressure on him than during any other start of his career. The Astros couldn't win at home, so here are three players who need to have Greinke's back on Friday night at Nationals Park.
3. Alex Bregman
After a quiet ALCS, Alex Bregman got Houston on the board with a two-run homer in Game 2, but helped open the floodgates for the Nationals in the seventh inning as his defensive abilities failed him. A contender for American League MVP this year, Bregman will need to up his game at the plate-- but he also cannot make basic fielding mistakes if the Astros want to play another home game this season.
2. Roberto Osuna
Though the focus on Roberto Osuna is off the field right now, his on-field performance has not helped the Astros, either. He may have gotten credit for the pennant-clinching win against the Yankees, but Jose Altuve bailed him out after DJ LeMahieu homered to tie the game. He is supposed to be the strongest part of what is otherwise not an especially talented bullpen. His team needs him to be rock-solid.
1. Martín Maldonado
When the Astros lifted Robinson Chirinos for a pinch-hitter i Game 2 but didn't manage to score, they slotted Martin Maldonado behind the plate only to watch Kurt Suzuki unload on a Justin Verlander pitch and send it into the seats. Ultimately, Verlander threw the ball, but chemistry between a hurler and his backstop is essential in such high-leverage situations. Maldonado can't afford any lapses the rest of the way.