It’s game five of the American League Championship Series with the Tampa Bay Rays holding a 3-1 advantage over the Houston Astros.

Kevin Cash is sending right-handed pitcher John Curtiss to the mound to open the game for Tampa Bay. Dusty Baker is countering for the Astros, sending right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia to the mound.

The highest level that Garcia had pitched in prior to the 2020 season was in A+, where he finished the 2019 campaign. The 23 year old made his big league debut earlier this season and pitched in five games — one start — and allowed four runs over 12 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Garcia has posted exceptional strikeout numbers, while his command has been erratic at times.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Rays will have the slumping Brandon Lowe at leadoff with Austin Meadows moving back to the third spot.

Starting Lineup

1. Brandon Lowe, 2B
2. Randy Arozarena, LF
3. Austin Meadows, LF
4. Yandy Diaz, DH
5. Ji-Man Choi, 1B
6. Manuel Margot, CF
7. Joey Wendle, 3B
8. Willy Adames, SS
9. Mike Zunino, C

John Curtiss, SP

Bench

• Kevin Kiermaier, OF
• Hunter Renfroe, OF
• Yoshi Tsutsugo, 3B/OF
• Mike Brosseau, INF
• Michael Perez, C