Bruce Bochy. David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports

Boy, how quickly does a series change.

The Houston Astros are only one win away from capturing the American League pennant for the third-straight year and for the fifth time over the last seven seasons. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are seeing their chances of returning to the World Series for the first time since their back-to-back appearances and subsequent losses in 2010 and 2011, respectively, slip away.

The Rangers took the first two games of the series in Houston, and headed home with a commanding 2-0 series lead. However, the resilient Astros won all three games at Globe Life Field, capped off with a 5-4 victory thanks to a ninth inning, three-run home run from future Hall of Famer José Altuve.

Now, in Game 6 at Minute Maid Park, we may see the first team advance to the 2023 World Series.

Note, the game can be watched on Fox Sports 1 at 8:03 pm ET on Sunday. If necessary, a Game 7 in Houston will be Monday at 8:03 pm ET. 

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros, Game 6

The probable pitching matchup for the potential decisive Game 6 in Houston is slated to be Nathan Eovaldi versus Framber Valdez. The same as it was in Texas’ 5-4 Game 2 victory in Houston earlier in the series.

Eovaldi has been tremendous in the postseason, posting a 3-0 record with a splendid 2.29 ERA. He was on the mound for the Rangers’ Game 2 victory, throwing six innings of three-run ball to go with nine strikeouts. Overall, he has struck out 24 across 19 2/3 postseason innings.

For the Astros, Valdez’s postseason has been much different. He is 0-2 with a 11.57 ERA across two starts and only seven innings. In a start against Minnesota, he allowed seven hits and five runs across only 4 1/3 innings. Then, in Game 2 against Texas, he allowed seven hits and four runs across only 2 2/3 innings.

Rangers Lineup

Astros Lineup