HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- The Astros were dominant in their ALDS opener hosting the Chicago White Sox.
The Astros cruised to a 6-1 victory. But starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. said the turning point was second baseman Jose Altuve's slide into home plate in the third inning for the Astros' second run of the game.
Just to set this up, Altuve walked after working a full count by White Sox starter Lance Lynn. Then, Michael Brantley in an uncharacteristic move, bunted Altuve over to second base.
A wild pitch by Lynn allowed Altuve to advance to third base, then Alex Bregman grounded into a fielder's choice. Altuve beat the tag at home with this slide.
It gave the Astros a 2-0 lead, which they eventually extended to 6-0 through five innings.
Left-handed Framber Valdez is on the bump Friday in game two, with Lucas Giolito on the other side for the White Sox.