Apr 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Yordan Alvarez handles the pressure and continues to show up for the Astros just when they need him most.

Imagine where the Houston Astros would be without Yordan Alvarez?

Further down in the standings – that’s where.

Alvarez ripped a two-run home run with two outs off A.J. Minter in the ninth inning and the Astros defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-4 on Friday.

It was Houston’s third win in four games and helped the Astros even their record at 10-10.

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Alvarez leads Major League Baseball with 23 RBI.

“Obviously, it’s not a surprise to anyone,” Alvarez told reporters. “We’ve been battling since the first game of the season, so winning a game like today … It’s definitely very motivating for the team.”

Alvarez revels in these types of situations.

In Game 6 of the World Series, he crushed a three-run shot off Jose Alvarado to ultimately lift the Astros past the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

To Alvarez, there’s no pressure.

“Honestly, I went up there without a plan,” Alvarez said. “When the count got to 3-2, I knew he was going to throw a pitch in the zone. Obviously, (Jose) Abreu is behind me and he wasn't going to want to face him in that situation. I calmed myself down a little bit there and got the pitch.”

He’s reached base safely in 18 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in the American League.

Imagine where the Astros would be without Alvarez?

Thankfully, he’s in the lineup.

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