3 takeaways from Houston Astros locker room after Game 1 ALDS thriller
By Kevin Henry
Houston’s postseason experience matters
While this is the first time back to the postseason for the Seattle Mariners since 2001, the Houston Astros, in their sixth consecutive postseason, are very familiar with what it takes to win when the bright lights of October begin to shine.
Tuesday’s win was the 12th walkoff in Astros postseason history, and only the New York Yankees (13) have more.
“We’re not trying to be heroes, but Yordan was the hero tonight. The moment was perfect for him,” Astros second baseman Jose Altuve said. “We’re just happy. It’s big for us to win the first game against the Mariners. They’re a good team and they showed it today, but we got the win.”
For Altuve’s middle infield partner, the rookie Peña, it was his first taste of the postseason, but he has already learned a valuable lesson about what it means to play for Houston in the playoffs.
“You can’t count us out,” Pena said. “Our pitching staff has been dominant all year. Great teams do that. We pick each other up.”