The Houston Astros are back in town after an 11-day road trip that included stops at Beantown, the Big Apple and the Forest City. They were able to reel off a few wins which is all I ask of my team right now.
The road trip is over and the boys are back in town to do work against a familiar foe and nemesis — the Oakland Athletics.
They lost Monday night’s game after a powerful, five-run, 9th inning the A’s were able to put up to ultimately bury any chances of the Astros recovering from such force.
But, as always, it’s one game at a time and the Astros were able to use their wits to seize the “W” last night despite managing only four hits!
Let’s get to it!
It was the A’s that broke the seal at the beginning of the game whenJonny Gomessingled to center scoringCraig Gentryand advancingDerek Norristo 2nd base.A’s 1, Astros 0
The next couple of innings involved some ground outs, fly outs and a highly encouraging ground-rule double hit byJose Altuvewith two outs on the board, puttingGregorio Petitin scoring position. It was unfortunate becauseChris Carterwas unable to convert by lining out to left grabbing the third out to end the 3rd. Altuve was working hard to make something happen but that was the way the cookie crumbled.
At the top of the 4th,Nate Freimandoubled to left scoringJonny Gomes. This play turned into a triple because of the way the ball bounced off the manual scoreboard forRobbie Grossmanto catch. By the time Grossman could gather himself to make the throw, it was too late and Freiman had already advanced to third base.A’s 2, Astros 0
At the bottom of the 4th, the Astros fought back withDexter Fowlersolo homering to right field.A’s 2, Astros 1
Then both teams started to lock up on defense and it wasn’t until the bottom of the 8th where the Astros were enabled to takeover the game.
You know this had to be good!
Carter was at-bat, the count was 1-1 and for some reason,Luke Gregersonthought that Carter couldn’t figure out his fastball.
The next pitch involved Carter hitting the game winner by smacking a homer to left field that landed deep in the Crawford Boxes scoring himself,Jose AltuveandRobbie Grossman.
Carter not only figured it out but made Gregerson and the rest of the A’s pay by pulverizing whatever was left of that 90 mph, two-seam fastball that was thrown at him.
For guy that was struggling just to get a hit as recent as a couple of a months ago, he really has found his mojo and I’m optimistic that he will keep it up. As mightily and confident he swung that bat to belt that ball out, the bat might was well have been as light as toothpick. He makes it look so easy!Astros 4, A’s 2
Carter was the shining star for this game, going1-for-4withthree ribbiesoff that play. Altuve, Fowler andMarwin Gonzalezcollected the team’s other three total hits.
Dallas Keuchelhad another solid outing, allowing five hits, one earned run, walking three, fanning three in seven innings of labor. His ERA remains ace-like at3.05.
The Astros are back at it tomorrow in the third and final game of the set against the A’s.
The first pitch is scheduled for7:10 p.m. CDT.Brad Peacockwill take the mound againstDrew Pomeranz.
Go ‘Stros!
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