We might have to get the Christian Walker apology forms ready..
After a dominant bounce back victory last night, the Astros came into Daikin today looking to win a much needed series against one of the worst teams in baseball in the Rockies. Yordan and Cam Smith officially returned to some kind of form yesterday, each stamping their night with a home run. Framber pitched a shut out gem, and everything felt right in the Astro-World for a day. Today, they face lefty Kyle Freeland(3-13, 5.32 ERA, 95 SO) with Jason Alexander on the mound(4-1, 4.61 ERA, 46 SO). It’s no surprise anymore, but Jason Alexander has more than held his own as of late. To be specific, the Astros have not lost an Alexander start since July 29th against the Nationals, going 5-0. Hopefully, they get a rubber match W from Jason as they close a series that has honestly been more competitive than what it should have been.
The scoring didn’t take long to start, as Jose Altuve announced his return from a much needed off day with a solo-shot to center field to make it 1-0 home team. Christian Walker then made it a back to back affair with a homer of his own to quickly make it 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st.
They then increased the lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the 2nd after three straight singles by Dubón. McCormick, and the RBI swing from call up C César Salazar.
Unfortunately, Jason Alexander began to unravel a bit in the top of the 3rd when he loaded the bases after two singles and a HBP. He then let up an RBI groundout to Mickey Moniak to make it 3-1 Astros.
Home runs in the 4th and 5th innings by Ezequiel Tovar(4th) and Yanquiel Fernández(5th) respectively tied the game at 3-3.
Alexander was then pulled after 5.2 IP. His stat line was: 7 hits, 1 walk, 8 K’s, 2 HR’s, and 3 ER.
Kaleb Ort then pitched the team out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the 7th, striking out Brenton Doyle to end the threat and possibly save the game.
Christian Walker then whacked his 21st home run of the season, breaking the tie and making it 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th. That was his second long ball of the day.
That would prove to be the dagger, as Bryan Abreu closed out the game with two strikeouts in the top of the 9th to win the game 4-3 and improve the team’s record to 74-60. Bryan King gets the win and Abreu gets his 4th save on the year.
The Astros continue their homestand tomorrow with the start of a 4-gamer against the Angels and left hander Tyler Anderson.(2-8, 4.73 ERA, 103 SO). Cristian Javier(1-1, 5.40 ERA, 10 SO) returns to the mound to protect home and start off the weekend on a high note.
Category: General Sports
