BOSTON -- There's something about October that brings out the best in George Springer.
The Astros center fielder continued his assault on opposing pitching Saturday night, lacing a two-run, bases-loaded single in the second inning against Chris Sale to give Houston a 2-0 lead over the Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.
Sale was not particularly sharp from the outset, issuing a walk to Springer to open the game. The left-hander got through the rest of the first unscathed, but after recording two quick outs to start the second, Sale walked Carlos Correa, hit Martin Maldonado with a pitch and walked Josh Reddick, loading the bases for Springer.