In Game 3 of their 2023 ALDS matchup, the Astros crushed the Twins 9-1 despite the series shifting to Target Field. That put them up in the series, 2-1, smothering any momentum Minnesota may have garnered in their Game 2 victory. Game 4 was much less decisive in terms of the margin of victory, but it was a decisive win for the Astros nonetheless as they clinched their seventh-straight ALCS berth. The last time they failed to make it to MLB’s Final Four, Brian McCann was still technically a Yankee.
ALDS Game 4
Houston Astros 3, Minnesota Twins 2
(Astros win series 3-1)
Due to the series schedule, the Astros were forced to choose between turning to a fourth starter in Game 4 or Justin Verlander on short rest.