Convenience Big Store: Big swing: José Abreu, Astros tie ALCS with Rangers

Today's starting lineup

The Astros sure do like hitting at Globe Life Park in Arlington. They were at it again in a 10-3 win on Thursday to even the ALCS with the Rangers.

But ask them why and you won't get many specifics. The best answer came from Jose Altuve who said the team is just focused on winning and getting on base.

Seems pretty simple.

On Thursday, it was contributions from almost everyone in the lineup (save slumping Kyle Tucker) but it started with Altuve. José Abreu had a big blast (and defensive play) as well. And, of course, there was Yordan Alvarez, who just missed a grand slam kept his hot postseason going anway.

It was another night when the Astros reminded the Rangers just who is the team to beat in Texas.

Now, it's up to Justin Verlander in Game 5 on Friday to keep it going.

Speaking of big wins, Rice routed Tulsa 42-10 behind quarterback JT Daniels for a big conference win.

And in high school football, Katy Taylor pulled off the upset of state-ranked Jordan to clinch a playoff spot.

Stat of the day: 9. Runs per game the Astros are scoring against the Rangers in Arlington this season.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

ALCS: Astros vs. Rangers

Houston Astros' Jose Altuve, right, gives Jose Abreu, center, a high-five after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Arlington.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Why are Astros hitting so well in Arlington? It starts with focus

After a 10-3 win over Rangers to tie the ALCS at 2-2, Astros can't say why they hit so well in Arlington other than they are focused on winning.

Take that: After a second consecutive win in the ALCS at Texas, the Astros remind the Rangers who is the boss in state rivalry
Mr. October: Even in a game in which Astros' Yordan Alvarez didn't deliver the most dramatic swing, his impact on how ALCS Game 4 unfolded was evident.
Mr. Everything: From a mammoth homer to a key defensive play to a historic stolen base, José Abreu was at the center of key momentum swings for the Astros in their Game 4 win over the Rangers to tie the ALCS.
100 and counting: In his 100th postseason game, Jose Altuve shows how he leads Astros.
A big relief: A starter for most his rookie season, Hunter Brown pitched three scoreless innings in relief in Houston's win
The deets: A look back at Game 4 from start to finish.
High five: From a reliever's clutch one-pitch outing to a seeing-eye tag, a closer look at five key moments from the Astros' ALCS-tying win over the Rangers in Game 4.
Game 5 starter: While Justin Verlander started Game 1 on seven days' rest, he will pitch Game 5 on regular rest, something he prefers for his between-outings routine.
Banana boy: Christian Saenz is a 13-year-old Rangers fan from San Antonio and he said he was hoping to distract Astros pitchers during game 4 of the ALCS.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, right, greets safety Jimmie Ward (1) before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

State of the Texans: Why Houston thinks the playoffs are possible

Team is playing with a belief it can win under new coach DeMeco Ryans which is a big change from recent seasons

Jaguars 31, Saints 24: Trevor Lawrence returns to help Jacksonville beat Saints, extend lead in AFC South.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with forward Amen Thompson (1) during the first half of a pre-season NBA game Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Photo by: Jon Shapley/Staff Photographer

Rockets vs. Heat: 5 things to watch in preseason finale

The Rockets could be at full strength when they face the Heat in their final preseason tune-up before Wednesday's season opener.

College Football

Rice quarterback JT Daniels during an NCAA football game against Connecticut on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Photo by: Michael Wyke/Associated Press

JT Daniels, Dean Connors fuel Rice's win over Tulsa

JT Daniels passed for two touchdowns and ran for another TD, Dean Connors ran for 120 yards and three touchdowns and Rice beat Tulsa

Homecoming: When Texas faces Houston, Longhorns lineman Christian Jones will have his grandmother in stands to see him play for first time in college
Celebrity picks: Joseph Duarte is joined by veteran actor Robert Wuhl, a UH alumnus, for this week's College Football Pick 'Em.

High School Football

Photo by: Eric Christian Smith, Contributor

Katy Taylor stuns state-ranked Jordan to clinch playoff spot

Katy Taylor knocked off state-ranked Jordan to grab sole possession of second place in District 19-6A.

Katy 42, Cinco Ranch 14: Katy maintained its unbeaten record in District 19-6A with a victory against Cinco Ranch.
Roundup: North Shore, Galveston Ball and Fort Bend Marhall were among the winners on Thursday.
Scoreboard: Thursday's scores from around Houston and across the state of Texas.