HOUSTON — During a lull in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Friday, as umpires sorted out a play, Houston Astros catcher Martín Maldonado walked back to his position behind the plate. Waiting there for his turn to bat, Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vázquez smacked Maldonado on the chest and threw his arm around him.
Although they are rivals seeking a berth in the World Series, they are close friends. But so are several others on the Astros and Red Sox. The connection: Maldonado, 35, and Vázquez, 31, are from Puerto Rico, whose population of over three million people is well represented in this matchup.