The Houston Astros will need to start making their comeback in the ALCS series on Wednesday as they're facing a 2-0 deficit. Cristian Javier will be tasked with outdueling Max Scherzer in Game 3 if that's going to happen.
The Houston Astros are heading into Wednesday's Game 3 of the American League Championship Series facing a 2-0 deficit.
Their two aces Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez were beaten at home, putting the Astros' backs against a wall as they now face three games on the road.
Cristian Javier will get the ball facing a similar situation that he was in during the ALDS round against the Minnesota Twins.
Tied 1-1 in that series, he needed to deliver a gem for Houston to take back control.
He'll be tasked with doing that again in the ALCS, but this time, it will be against the Texas Rangers' high-profile starter Max Scherzer.
Javier is no stranger to pressure moments in the postseason.
He originally was used in a bullpen role during their 2020 and 2021 playoff runs. In 20 innings pitched as a reliever, he held opponents to seven runs.
The right hander took his game to the next level as a postseason starter last year.
Javier threw 11 1/3 scoreless innings in his two starts, including a six inning, zero hit and nine strikeout performance on the road during the World Series.
The Astros need that version of him on Wednesday.
They're facing a dangerous Rangers lineup who has tons of confidence after taking two games on the road.
No matter what the numbers say, Scherzer could come up with a vintage performance and shut down an opposing lineup at anytime.
Houston needs Javier to give their hitters a chance to heat up in Game 3.
Verlander and Valdez couldn't get it done.
It will be up to the 26-year-old to keep their dreams of repeating as World Series champions alive and avoid going into a 3-0 hole.