Altuve pursues batting title in Astros' final game

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Even with a batting championship practically secured, Jose Altuve will have to attend to some unfinished business when the Houston Astros end the season Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

Altuve, who owns a .338 average, also has a chance to finish as the American League leader in hits. The Venezuelan second baseman will enter the game with 215, one more than Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, who ranks second in average at .320.

"He's got some goals in mind that he's not yet accomplished," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "He sees all sorts of numbers that he could get and make a special year even more special. When Altuve is zeroing in on things, he rarely gets denied. It wouldn't surprise me if he has a good day."

Altuve said he is "way different" as a hitter this year than when he won his first batting title in 2014. Two years ago, Altuve finished with just seven home runs and 59 RBIs. But with one game left this year, the infielder already has career highs of 24 homers and 96 RBIs.

"I'm trying to do damage at the plate," Altuve said. "Before, I knew if I hit a weak ground ball, I could be safe. Then I understood that if you hit a double or drive in a run, it's better than hitting a single. I'm not trying to hit a home run every time. I'm trying to look for my pitch and put a good swing on the ball."

When Altuve won his last batting championship, he served primarily as a leadoff hitter. This season, he has batted mostly third.

"He's done a great job of being a complete hitter this year wherever I've put him," Hinch said. "He's taken it personally to improve his plate discipline."