El Bullpen: Astros, Yankees cruise to victory and NLDS Game 3 on tap

Astros Latinos key in win over Rays

While Game 2 of the ALDS will forever be known as the Gerrit Cole game, the Astros Latino players had a major part in the victory.

On the first play of the game, Carlos Correa delivered a masterful defensive highlight.

Later in the game, Martín Maldonado helped get two quick outs with a strikeout-throwout double play.

Maldonado would add an insurance run with a well placed bloop single.

Sir Didi is grand in Yankees win

The Bronx Bombers slugged their way over the Twins in Game 2.

Key in that slugging was Didi Gregorius, whose third-inning grand slam put the game way out of reach for the Twins.

Dodgers touch down in the capitol 

After a heartbreaking loss in Game 2, the Dodgers showed no emotion as they landed in D.C. ahead of Game 3 against the Nationals.

Nationals relive the hype

On the other hand, the Nationals were all about the hype Saturday when they commemorated their win with a celebratory video.

Braves ready for Game 3

The Braves used Saturday to work out ahead of their showdown with the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Didi Draws up the Win

Didi continued his string of victory art posts with another cool selection of pieces featuring his teammates after Saturday’s win.

Unfortunately, you won’t find Didi in any of these pictures because it’s about the team and not him.

Fear not, as the Yankees gave him some love on Twitter.

Fans have fun at Minute Maid Park

Check out these fans, who enjoyed an Astros victory in Game 2 of the ALDS.

OTD: 

2018-Behind Gary Sánchez’s two homers, the Yankees beat the Red Sox, 6-2, in the ALDS.

2017-Yan Gomes drives in the winning run against the Yankees in the ALDS for a 9-8 Indians victory. 

2017-Carlos Correa pushes Houston to victory over the Red Sox, 8-2, in the ALDS.

2013-Carlos Beltrán blasts his 16th homer in his postseason career. He now trails Mickey Mantle, who has 18 home runs. 

2009-The last regular-season game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is played.

1945-The curse of the billy goat is born when a man and his goat are told to leave Game 4 of the World Series. The Cubs didn’t win another NL championship in the 20th century.

Happy Birthday:

Benjamín Salas (b. 1995)

Freddy Garcia (b. 1976)

Rubén Sierra (b. 1965)

Jose Sepulveda (b. 1962)

René González (b. 1923)

Featured emmage: Jean Fruth Images/La Vemda Baseball