Astros Win 4-1 in Game 1, Twins’ Record Playoff Losing Streak at 17

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jose Altuve drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning for Houston after a two-out error by Minnesota shortstop Jorge Polanco, and the Astros took Game 1 of the best-of-three AL wild card series 4-1.

That stretched the Twins’ all-time record postseason losing streak to 17 straight games.

Michael Brantley tacked on a two-run single in the ninth after Sergio Romo walked the 5-foot-6 Altuve. Framber Valdez pitched five scoreless innings in relief of Zack Greinke for the victory to keep the bullpen fresh for the rest of the series.

Minnesota starter Kenta Maeda pitched five scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five Houston hitters.

The Minnesota Twins will send starting pitcher Jose Berrios to the mound tomorrow afternoon to try and end the playoff loss streak, and more importantly avoid elimination.

If the Twins win Wednesday, the deciding, winner-take-all, game three will take place Thursday at Target Field (time to be announced if necessary). If they lose, the Houston Astros will advance to face the winner of the Oakland Athletics/Chicago White Sox Series. The White Sox beat the A's 4-1 today in game one of that series.

Tomorrow's game two is set to start at Noon in Minneapolis on ESPN2, and can be heard in the St. Cloud area on WJON (AM 1240 and 95.3 FM).