WATCH: Astros’ Jose Altuve unleashes go-ahead, two-run blast in Game 1 of ALDS

After both starting pitchers went back-and-forth with shutout innings to kick off the ALDS, Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve finally broke through with a clutch two-run blast.

Altuve stepped to the plate in the fifth inning with a runner on first and Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow on his last legs. When Glasnow hung a fastball, Altuve sent it towering into the Crawford Boxes for a go-ahead blast.

After battling injuries in the first half of the season, Altuve started crushing baseballs in the second half. He posted a .994 OPS with 21 home runs in 286 at-bats after the All-Star Break.

It appears Altuve brought the hot bat and his powerful swing with him into October. Given the way Justin Verlander is pitching, a two-run lead might be all the Astros need to win Game 1.

By Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college ... More about Matt Johnson