ALCS Game 1 highlights: Rangers win 2-0 behind Jordan Montgomery gem

Major League Baseball

Updated Oct. 15, 2023 11:48 p.m. ET

Game 1 of the 2023 American League Championship Series marked a a heavily anticipated Lone Star State rivalry matchup between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros — and it lived up to the hype.

Justin Verlander, pitching in his record 14th playoff series Game 1, pitched a gem by allowing just two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks over 6.2 innings. But Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery outdueled him, scattering five hits over 6.1 shutout innings with six strikeouts and one walk.

Evan Carter also shined, scoring the game’s first run after a second-inning double and making two incredible catches on Alex Bregman fly balls, including a run-saving one in the eighth inning that resulted in an unlikely double play thanks to a Jose Altuve baserunning error.

The Rangers now have a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 on Monday (4:30 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).

Texas Rangers 2, Houston Astros 0

Early web gem!

Rookie outfielder Evan Carter continued to impress in the postseason, making a great leaping grab to rob Alex Bregman of extra bases.

Heim time!

The visiting Rangers drew first blood thanks to a Jonah Heim single after an Evan Carter double for an early 1-0 lead.

Jonah Heim slaps an RBI-single, giving Rangers a 1-0 lead vs. Astros

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Out of the jam!

Jordan Montgomery was through three scoreless innings after striking out Yordan Álvarez, ending an Astros threat.

Montgomery walks another tightrope

The Astros threatened again in the fourth, loading the bases. But Montgomery struck out Martín Maldonado with José Altuve on deck to keep Houston off the board.

Jordan Montgomery strikes out

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Leody LAUNCH

Outfielder Leody Taveras gave the Rangers a second run on a no-doubt solo home run to right field.

Leody Taveras slams a solo home run as the Rangers extend their lead over the Astros

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Hat trick!

Montgomery struck out Álvarez in all three of the latter’s plate appearances.

Montgomery exits after 6.1 shutout innings

Check out all six of his strikeouts below!

Jordan Montgomery strikes out six over 6.1 scoreless innings vs. Astros

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Joking late

Aroldis Chapman was mockingly cheered as he entered …

… but INCREDIBLE Carter catch bails him out!

The catch turned into a double play when a replay review found that Altuve did not touch second base on his way back to first, preserving the Rangers’ shutout.