MLB Weekly Digest 10/9/17

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The previous week in MLB was about an infielder making history in the American League Division Series, a starting pitcher beginning the postseason sharply, and a manager in the National League getting his contract option exercised.

Astros’ Altuve Makes History with Three-Homer Game in ALDS

The Houston Astros quickly took care of business in ALDS Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox, due to the player having a monster game.

Jose Altuve crushed three home runs in that game and became the ninth player in MLB history to reach that achievement, per David Adler of MLB.com.

3 HR in a postseason game, @MLB history:
Jose Altuve today
Pablo Sandoval
Pujols
Beltre
Adam Kennedy
Brett
Reggie
Bob Robertson
Ruth (twice)

— David Adler (@_dadler) October 5, 2017

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The infielder displaying power isn’t much of a surprise as he hit 24 homers during the regular season, including leading the AL in batting average and hits at .346 and 204, respectively.

He’s one of the best hitters in MLB and is a favorite to win the AL MVP.

The Astros will lean on Altuve to continue crushing the baseball in the series against the Red Sox as the club is looking to have a deep run in October.

Bauer Dominates in Game 1 Start for Indians

One terrific aspect of postseason baseball is watching a pitcher just dominate an opposing lineup.

Cleveland Indians starter Trevor Bauer accomplished this in Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees.

The right-hander twirled six and two-thirds scoreless innings and struck out eight batters.

The impressive part about the outing was that he held the Yankees without a hit for five and one-thirds innings, which was the longest no-hit bid in Indians postseason history, per ESPN Stats & Info.

The longest no-hit bid in Indians playoff history ends at 5 1/3 IP on Aaron Hicks’ double to left. Trevor Bauer & the Tribe still lead 4-0. pic.twitter.com/DThsCRR9Ov

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 6, 2017

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Bauer posted a 4.19 ERA in 176.1 innings (31 starts) with 196 strikeouts, 25 home runs yielded and a 3.88 WHIP.

It may seem strange that a starter whose ERA as over four during the regular season to have an outstanding start in the postseason.

However, Bauer is someone who threw the ball better as the season progressed. He accumulated a 5.24 ERA in the first half of the season, but a compiled a 3.01 ERA in the second half.

If the Indians can get this type of production from Bauer in the postseason, they’ll be a tough team to defeat.

Braves Exercise Contract Option for Snitker

The Atlanta Braves have decided to exercise the 2018 contract option for skipper Brian Snitker as the club announced a few days ago.

#Braves Exercise Contract Option on Brian Snitker: pic.twitter.com/0gqqRPnAQw

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 5, 2017

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This will mark the third season that Snitker is managing the club and the 42^nd that he’s part of the franchise.

The Braves finished the 2017 campaign third in the NL East with a 72-90 record, which is an improvement from last year when the team posted a 59-65 record after Snitker took over for Fredi Gonzalez.

The Braves have plenty of young talent within the organization and could be a breakout team in 2018.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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