Dubon after Astros secure ALCS Game 3 win: 'That was for you, Houston'

Maybe the Houston Astros just needed a change of scenery to come to life in the all-Texas American League Championship Series (ALCS). After losing Games 1 and 2 at Minute Maid Park to the Texas Rangers, the reigning World Series champions traveled to Arlington for, at least, Games 3 and 4, determined to keep their title defense alive. Buoyed by a solid performance on the mound by Cristian Javier and a resurgent offense, Houston defeated Texas 8-5 to push the best-of-seven series into its “if necessary” phase.

Outfielder Mauricio Dubon expressed his dedication to the city of Houston after the Astros secured their Game 3 win. In a clip posted by the Astros on October 19, Dubon said, "That was for you, Houston."

The Astros took advantage of Game 3 starter Max Scherzer's long absence from the mound. According to a report on the team's website, Houston gained its first lead of the ALCS in the second inning when Scherzer threw a wild pitch, allowing slugger Yordan Alvarez to score with the bases loaded. Catcher Martin Maldonado then hit a two-run single, giving the Astros a 3-0 advantage.

In the third inning, veteran infielder Jose Altuve hit his 25th postseason home run, his first hit of the ALCS. According to the report, Altuve is now just four home runs away from tying Manny Ramirez for the all-time postseason lead. Despite the Rangers' attempts to rally, Houston's offense remained hot and their bullpen continued to dominate.

The Astros have now won three consecutive postseason matchups, as reported by ESPN. With one more victory over the Rangers, the ALCS will return to Houston. The second and penultimate game at Globe Life Field is scheduled for October 19 at 7 p.m.