American League Astros in championship series for seventh consecutive time

(Minneapolis) José Abreu hit his third home run in two games and the Houston Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Wednesday to reach the U.S. Championship for the seventh consecutive time.

Abreu broke the 1-1 score with a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Michael Brantley was also honored by the Astros, who eliminated the Twins in four games.

José Urquidy gave up two runs and three hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out six batters.

Minnesota’s points came from long balls from Quebecers Édouard Julien and Royce Lewis.

Ryan Pressly, who played more than five years with the Twins before being traded to Houston in 2018, closed the books with three outs in the ninth.

A battle in Texas will pit the Astros against the Rangers starting Sunday at Minute Maid Park.

World Series champion in 2017 and 2022, Houston is expected to send three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander to the mound. It would be his 36th^{It is} start of career in the playoffs.

The Astros finished the series against the Twins with 10 home runs. Abreu had eight RBIs.

Chris Paddack was valiant in relief for the Twins: He got seven strikeouts, including four walks, while allowing just one hit.