The video breaks down how small ball and base running decisions flipped two tightly contested games between the Rangers and Astros. In game one, the Astros held a one-run lead late, boasting a perfect record when ahead after the seventh. But a series of calculated moves by the Rangers stole the win. After getting the tying run on base, they swapped in a faster runner who stole second. That immediately changed the inning’s dynamic, removing the double play threat and forcing the Astros to pull the infield in. A groundout moved the runner to third, and a soft single past the shifted infield tied the game. Another steal, followed by a wild pitch and weakly hit ball through the over-adjusted defense, gave Texas the lead. Two stolen bases and some situational hitting were all it took to unseat Houston’s advantage.
In the next game, with Texas up 3-0, it was Houston’s turn to flip the script. Jose Altuve started by legging out a single, then taking the risk to go from first to third on a slow roller. It almost failed, but set the tone. After a weakly hit ball to short, Corey Seager had a decision—go for an easy double play or try to save the run at home. He chose the latter, but the Astros botched the rundown, allowing the runner to score and the batter to reach third. That mistake made it easier for Yordan Alvarez to bring home a run with an out, and Kyle Tucker followed with a two-run homer. In just a few pitches, four runs scored. Across two games, both teams showed how aggressive base running and pressure on defenders can swing results without big hits. The runs didn’t come from power, but from disrupting defenses and capitalizing on mistakes.