Springer keeps adding to postseason hit streak
BOSTON -- Another October game, another record for George Springer.
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Springer's game-tying, two-run double off Red Sox starter David Price in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Championship Series extended his postseason hitting streak to 11 games, moving him past Lance Berkman for the Astros' all-time mark. Springer had matched Berkman in Game 1 with a two-run hit, also in the second inning.
"I'm just trying to hit the ball hard, get to first base for guys like Jose [Altuve] and Alex Bregman," Springer said after Houston's 7-5 loss to Boston. "I understand that I'm hitting first and my job is to somehow get to first base, so I'm just happy to help."
Springer finished the game 2-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs, giving him a .409 average (9-for-22) with three home runs. His seven RBIs are tied with teammate Marwin Gonzalez for the most in the AL this postseason.
Springer's streak began in Game 2 of last year's World Series, one day after he had gone 0-for-4 with four strikeouts to open the Fall Classic. Springer, last year's World Series MVP, is hitting .425 (20-for-47) with eight home runs and 14 RBIs during his 11-game streak. Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter and Hank Bauer hold the big league record for the longest postseason hitting streak at 17 games.
"The moment's not too big for him," Astros catcher Brian McCann said. "His talent, there aren't too many guys that can do the things he does on a baseball field. He seems to slow the moment down; when the lights get brighter, he seems to have a slower heartbeat."
Houston trailed, 2-0, after the first inning Sunday night, but Carlos Correa reached with a one-out infield single and Martin Maldonado doubled down the left-field line, putting a pair of runners in scoring position. Josh Reddick hit a popup to second base, but Springer came through in the clutch once again, fisting a 1-0 fastball to the opposite field, dunking it over first base to score both runners.
The two-run hit didn't just put Springer's name in the record books for his hitting streak; he became the first Astros player to drive in multiple runs in three consecutive playoff games. Springer had two RBIs in Game 3 against the Indians, then drove in a pair of runs in the AL Championship Series opener at Fenway Park on Saturday night. If he can drive in two or more runs in Game 3, Springer will tie Reggie Sanders' Major League record of four straight, set during the Cardinals' 2005 postseason.
Springer started a ninth-inning rally against Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, hitting a two-out double and scoring on Altuve's single as Houston cut Boston's lead to two runs before Kimbrel retired Bregman to end the game.
"When the game is on the line, we have a lot of guys we want up," McCann said. "Springer is right there at the top of the list."