The Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park, handed the Chicago White Sox a 6–1 defeat in the opener of the ALDS on Oct. 7. The Astros were led by excellent pitching by Lance McCullers Jr., solid defense, and hot bats. Starting Astros ace Lance McCullers was solid through 6 2/3 innings. He conceded just four singles while striking out four batters. Possibly the most important stat was that he did not give up any walks. McCullers had led the league in walks this year. So he and catcher Martín Maldonado strategized pregame to target the strike zone.  This would allow him to pitch more innings with fewer walks. The risk was whether the White Sox could hit his pitches. McCullers came through with a shut-out performance and was relieved following 109 pitches, after getting two outs in the seventh inning. “We really just decided we have our plan, but we just …