Houston Astros Get Swept By Texas Rangers; Lose 5-1
I didn’t think the Houston Astros would drop an entire series to the Texas Rangers, let alone any team they have been playing as of late.
It has been a long time since the Astros have dropped a series.
Back in the past, you’d expect it them to do it a few series in a row but now it’s expected that they’ll compete.
It seems that they tried but they just couldn’t get any runs on the board.
Things would happen and they’d be in position to score but they just couldn’t convert.
The Astros were 2-for-17 as far as Team RISP for the entire series — that’s not something you can write home about.
Let’s talk about this game for a bit…
The Astros were 1-for-5 last night in regard to Team RISP and it was Jose Altuve who brought in a single early-in to advance Robbie Grossman to 2nd base.
Sep 24, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Tomas Telis (6) tags out Houston Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman (19) at home plate during the third inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Altuve did get to third off a wild pitch by Lisalverto Bonilla to Chris Carter but he eventually struck out stranding Altuve.
Until about the 5th inning, we’d see ground outs, strike outs and even line outs coupled with a few singles and wild pitches. At the bottom of the 4th, Ryan Rua got hit by a pitch by Scott Feldman and was hurt but he was still good to play. In the next frame, Gregorio Petit got hit by a pitch by Bonilla.
Things got interesting there but nothing came out of it…
At the bottom of the 5th, the Rangers did strike first and it was Elvis Andrus that douled to left scoring Leonys Martin. Rangers 1, Astros 0
At the bottom of the 7th, Rougned Odor popped a solo homer to right. Rangers 2, Astros 0
The Rangers weren’t done yet either…
Later in the same inning, the bases started to load up with Jose Veras on the mound in relief. Rua was up to bat and he cracked a home run to left scoring Adrian Beltre and Jake Smolinski. Rangers 5, Astros 0
The Astros did strike back but it was too little, too late…
It wasn’t until the bottom of the 8th and Jonathan Villar sent a solo shot to right. For the mistakes he makes sometimes with his fielding, his bat sometimes can be mighty and is enabled to make plays. That’s good for him. Final Score: Rangers 5. Astros 1
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The Astros had little offense to begin with but five players collected at least one hit. That would be Grossman, Altuve, Jake Marisnick, Alex Presley and Villar.
Altuve had two stolen bases and Grossman had one.
Altuve stole 2nd and 3rd bases back-to-back at the top of the 6th collecting his 56th act of larceny this season. He is eight bases behind the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dee Gordon who is the league-leader.
Sep 24, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman (46) throws during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Feldman pitched another quality start but just didn’t have the support behind him. He ended up allowing four hits, one earned run, walked four and fanned six in six innings of work.
He has been quite a bright spot for the Astros’ pitching rotation this year! He is still under contract for next season so it will be a treat to see him back.
The Astros have today off before undertaking the last series on the road against the New York Mets at Citi Field Friday.
The first pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CDT.
Brad Peacock will get the start and will be facing Jon Niese.
Go ‘Stros!