Watch: Jose Abreu's fourth home run of the postseason extends Astros lead in Game 4 of ALCS

The home run was Abreu's fourth this postseason and first of the ALCS. He hit 18 home runs in 141 games during the regular season.

The blast eased Houston's frustrations after Yordan Alvarez finished the previous at-bat nearly hitting a grand slam, settling for a sacrifice fly.

The Astros have owned the Rangers in Arlington this season, going 7-1 in their first eight games at Globe Life Field entering Game 4.

Including their seven-run outburst through four innings, Houston has scored 78 runs on the road against Texas this season.

If the Astros hang on, they will even the series at two games apiece and have the difficult task of winning at least one game (possibly two) at home – where they were 39-42 during the regular season – to clinch their third consecutive American League pennant. 

The Rangers won the first two games at Minute Maid Park and might be eager to head back to Houston if the series goes to a sixth game.