Cora meets former team again with Red Sox vs Astros in ALCS October 14, 2021 sharefacebooktwitterredditlink HOUSTON (AP) Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was already counting on a rematch with his former team even before the Houston Jaden McDaniels Jersey Astros advanced to their fifth straight AL Championship Series.He told me (Monday), see you soon, Houston star Carlos Correa said.The Astros a sured their place the next day, closing out the White Sox i Game 4 of the Division Series.Now that this matchup is set and will begin Friday night, Cora, the former Houston bench coach, will look to take down the Astros in the ALCS for the second time in four years after beating them to a World Series title in 2018.Im enjoying the groove, Cora said. I think honestly, as a team, were clicking at the right time ... and it doesnt matter how you get here, it just matters what you do from here on and were prepared for it.The red-hot Red Sox beat the Yankees in the wild-card game and earned a trip to Houston by upsetting the 100-win Rays 3-1 in a wild division series, featuring a 13-inning win in Game 3 and a walk-off victory in Game 4. Cora helped Houston win the 2017 World Series as bench coach, then managed Boston to the 2018 championship after disposing of the Astros. He was let go by the Red Sox following Major League Baseballs investigation into Houstons sign-stealing scheme, then suspended by MLB through the 2020 postseason before getting rehired in Boston last November.Asked about the reception the Astros might get from the crowd when the series shifts to Boston for Game 3 on Monday, Cora admitted that it feels weird when theyre heckled since he was involved with the cheating. He doesnt feel like the scandal is in the past because he lives with it every day.Im sorry, I made a mistake and Im living it, he said. Its uncomfortable because I know that when they get booed or they scream at them, Im there. I was part of it.The Astros are the third team in MLB history to reach the league championship series in five consecutive seasons, joining the Braves (1995-99) and Athletics (1971-75). Houston manager Dusty Baker has only been around for these last two. He took over after manager A.J. Hinch was fired after being suspended for his part Jaylen Nowell Jersey in the scheme. But he's certainly been around long enough to know he has a team built for October. These guys take a lot of pride in winning, and especially the guys that have been here for a while, Baker said. They Juan Hernangomez Jersey ve been through a couple of back-to-back 100-lo s seasons, and they like the feeling of winning and the feeling of being on top. And they think that theyre supposed to win no matter how the series starts or the outcome.The biggest question of the series is the status of Houston ace Lance McCullers Jr. The right-hander was masterful in a Game 1 win in the ALDS, pitching scorele s ball into the seventh. But he left Game 4 after four innings with tightne s in his right forearm and was still being evaluated Thursday as the Astros determine his availability for the series. He did go for an MRI, just precautionary to make sure everythings OK in there, general manager James Click said. So, were waiting for those images to be reviewed and getting examination on him, and well see where that goes.A lot of people will weigh in on the decision but Click said it will be just ultimately about how Lance feels.With McCullers out, the Astros will start Framber Valdez in Game 1 against Chris Sale. Game 2 in Houston Saturday features Astros rookie Luis Garca against Nathan Eovaldi.There was some question about how Sale would be used in this series after the seven-time All-Star permitted five runs in just one inning of a Game 2 start in the division series. It was his 10th outing this year after returning from Tommy John surgery Aug. 14. Cora said they dont consider Sale an opener in this game and that there would be no limitations on the left-hander.If we didnt feel comfortable, we wouldnt pitch him, Cora said. But what made Cora feel good about putting Sale back on the mound in such a big game after his recent struggles?Its Chris Sale, Cora said. Hes a big part of what were trying to accomplish. Sale, who was also bad in his last regular season start, said he felt le ser than dirt after Game 2. But the support of Cora and his teammates helped get him Hats in the right mindset to bounce back Friday. He said hes been on the mound every day since his last start trying to iron some things out. He believes hes rediscovered a changeup that was mi sing against the Rays and that hes solved the problems commanding his fastball. Well see what we get (Friday), he said. But I like where were at. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com Ashton Hagans Jersey /AP_Sports in this topic American League Major League Baseball Houston Astros Lance McCullers Jr. Chris Sale Framber Valdez Nathan Eovaldi Tampa Bay Rays Houston Astros share Believe the hype, Bellingham is lighting up the World Cup Jordan Henderson knew exactly who to thank after opening the scoring in Englands 3-0 win against Senegal 6 MINS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS Mbapp is bringing soccer to a new dimension at World Cup Cristiano Ronaldos precision 36 MINS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS Poland finds its true level at World Cup, beaten by the best Poland heads home from the World Cup as the latest team unable to resist an inspired Kylian Mbapp 36 MINS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS World Cup fans find booze at hotels, Qatar's 1 liquor store Qatar's strict rules regarding alcohol have drawn attention as it hosts the World Cup 2 HOURS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS Sterling leaves England World Cup camp after home break-in England forward Raheem Sterling has left his teams World Cup camp in Qatar and returned to the U.K. after a break-in at his home 2 HOURS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS