After losing Game 1 of the 2021 World Series at home, the Houston Astros desperately needed to bounce back with a Game 2 victory.
The team needed all hands on deck, and for the most part, that’s what it got.
The Astros got a solid pitching performance from their starter (Jose Urquidy), and four relivers combined for four scoreless innings.
Moreover, seven of the team’s nine starting batters recorded a hit.
It was a great all-around effort for Houston, and the club got the victory.
But one player in particular stood about above the rest in Game 2: Jose Altuve.
The 31-year-old had a massive night.
After the former MVP had a miserable 2020 season, it’s probably safe to say that he’s back to his old self again.
Altuve’s Game 2 Performance At A Glance
Altuve rose to the occasion in Game 2.
In five plate appearances, he smacked two extra-base-hits.
The first one came in the first inning off of Max Fried, as Altuve smoked a leadoff double down the left-field line.
Leadoff double for Altuve and the @astros! pic.twitter.com/ewTgryk1xA
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2021
Then, in the seventh inning, Altuve took Drew Smyly out of the yard on a first-pitch fastball.
José Altuve has tied Bernie Williams for the 2nd-most HR in #postseason history.
They only trail Manny Ramirez (29). pic.twitter.com/XRBT2EnRyC
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 28, 2021
Altuve’s seventh-inning homer was the nail in the coffin.
After the game, he spoke about his strong showing and offered some insight into his approach.
Jose Altuve joined our postgame show after a bounce back night and a Game 2 victory for the @astros! #ForTheH @KevinBurkhardt | @AROD | @DavidOrtiz | @TheBigHurt_35 pic.twitter.com/7Qefud839q
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2021
It sounds like the seven-time All-Star is making a point to be aggressive.
Altuve’s Legacy As An Elite Playoff Performer Is Growing Even Bigger
Altuve has always been an elite postseason performer, and he’s adding to that legacy with each passing year.
Of course, many folks feel that a good chunk of his accomplishments are tainted due to the infamous sign-stealing scandal.
But regardless, his career numbers in the postseason are worth a look: 75 games, .289/.365/.554, 22 home runs, 15 doubles.
In the 2021 playoffs, he has a solid .806 OPS.
He’s still adding chapters to his list of playoff achievements, and he’s hoping to earn another ring this season in the process.
Only time will tell if that happens.
Altuve’s Turnaround
Just a season ago, Altuve was at an all-time low from a production standpoint.
He an awful campaign in 2020, and a lot of folks thought he wasn’t going to bounce back.
Over 48 games in the COVID-shortened season, he batted .219 with a .629 OPS and 71 OPS+.
He finished the year with a -0.2 WAR, and candidly, he was a liability.
Obviously, it was an ugly showing for him.
But in the 2021 regular season, he silenced the doubters.
He slashed .278/.350/.489 with a 127 OPS+ and 4.4 WAR over 146 games.
He also blasted 31 homers, 32 doubles, and a triple.
The veteran earned his seventh All-Star selection along the way.
Jose Altuve makes the All-Star Team for the seventh time, tying Hall of Famer Craig Biggio for the most All-Star selections in franchise history.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 4, 2021
In the 2021 regular season, he sent a message to the league that his 2020 campaign was a fluke, and he’s still making sure that’s known throughout the 2021 playoffs.
Whether you love him or hate him, he’s getting the job done.
And whether you love the Astros or can’t stand to root for them, they, too, are close to getting the job done.
They are just three wins away from claiming another World Series title.
If Houston gets another championship, Altuve will become even more of a legend in the city.
NEXT: Jose Urquidy Delivers Solid Start In Astros World Series Win