The X-Factor of the Houston Astros
José Urquidy once again proved to be the X-factor of the Houston Astros, leading them to a victory that keeps them on the path to the World Series.
It seems that the Mexican pitcher José Urquidy is the go-to guy for crucial moments in the month of October.
This time, he was the X-factor of the Houston Astros, a rather complex role in a team filled with stars.
Dusty Baker saw José Urquidy on the mound for the first time, throwing five scoreless innings in Game 4 against the eventual champions.
He got the impression that the Mexican right-hander for the Astros thrives under pressure.
“I said to myself, ‘Man, who is that guy out there?'” Baker recalled on Wednesday night after Urquidy delivered once again in a pivotal moment for Houston, advancing to the American League Championship Series for the seventh consecutive season.
Houston won 3-2 against Minnesota in Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Target Field.
It’s safe to say that the 2023 season did not go as planned, neither for Urquidy nor for the Astros as a team. After posting a 5.20 ERA in six starts in April, the right-hander was placed on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort on May 1 and missed the next three months.
Despite not having a consistent role when he returned to the Astros, Urquidy stepped up when his team needed him in two crucial games.
The X-Factor of the Houston Astros
The first was on September 29 when he started against Arizona and their ace Zac Gallen, pitching six scoreless innings.
Houston ended up sweeping the three-game series against the D-backs on the final weekend of the regular season to secure the AL West title.
More recently, his performance in Game 4 of the ALDS, where he held the Twins to two runs, three hits, and one walk in 5.2 innings, while striking out six batters.
Urquidy induced 19 swings and misses, his highest total of the season and the third-highest of his career.
There’s no doubt that Urquidy is the X-factor of the Houston Astros.
This solidified Baker’s initial impression that Urquidy is a pitcher for the big moments, a designation that the Sinaloense pitcher accepts.
“I think, in that situation, I feel a huge hunger there,” Urquidy said. “Obviously, my focus and my preparation plan have to be very clear, and I have to put my mind to it.
I feel very comfortable being here with this team… creating a good game plan with my catcher.
“I know I have a strong offense and defense behind me, and that gives me a lot of confidence.”
Also read: Mexican Edson Álvarez is an example of perseverance and discipline.
