It’s been a whirlwind of a news week for the Houston Astros clubhouse and it’s apparent that there’s some partial culmination to the madness that was going on.
Things got nasty between Jeff Luhnow andBo Porterlast week to the point of where I knew the writing was on the wall.
The rift between them started an imaginary clock that was counting down until the time Porter would be released from the Astros.
The only exception was the clock ticked a lot faster than I thought — it looked he at least was going to finish the season.
Gosh, was I wrong.
I don’t necessarily agree with his firing, but I’ll have to save that for another post.
One just has to wonder if he was part of the long-term rebuilding plan.
Probably not — the Astros’ brass just needed a guy to hold things together with bubble gum and paper clips, so to speak, while they load up on more prospects.
I’d sure like to ask Bo that question myself…
Anyway, tonight marks the beginning of theTom Lawless-era — he was tapped as interim manager in the same announcement by Luhnow Monday. Former Astros shortstop/defensive stopperAdam Everetthas also been brought on as the bench coach.
It’s their time to shine and if they do well for these next 24 games, who knows? They may be permanent hires.
They did themselves many favors with the performance in this game though.
Sep 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Gregorio Petit (3) is congratulated by hitting coach John Mallee (11) after scoring a run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s get to it!
At the bottom of the 1st, the Astros struck first withDexter Fowlersingling to center scoringRobbie Grossmanand advancingJose Altuveto 3rd base.Astros 1, Angels 0
Also,Chris Cartersingled to left scoring Altuve and advancing Fowler to 2nd.Astros 2, Angels 0
Next up?
It wasJason Castrowho sac-flied to center scoring Fowler.Astros 3, Angels 0
It was all Astros early-in andC.J. Wilsonreally got roughed up by our bats!
At the bottom of the 3rd, Altuve put another dent in C.J.’s numbers by solo-homering to left.Astros 4, Angels 0
At the bottom of the 4th, Grossman doubled to right scoringJake Marisnick.Astros 5, Angels 0
They had enough of C.J. getting killed soYoslan Herrerawas the next victim!
It seemed the Angels were playing musical chairs with their pitchers — Herrera was yanked and thenCam Bedrosianwas put in to stop the bleeding.
It didn’t work.
At the bottom of the 5th, Castro doubled to left scoring Fowler and advancing Carter to 3rd base.Astros 6, Angels 0
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Later on in the frame, Marisnick sac-flied to center scoring Carter and advancing Castro to 3rd base.Astros 7, Angels 0
The Halos had enough of the beating andAlbert Pujolstook matters into his own hands.
At the top of the 6th, Pujols reached on a Fowler fielding error scoringGordon Beckhamand advancing himself to 2nd.Astros 7, Angels 1
Next inning, at the top,Chris Iannettasac-flied to center scoringHowie Kendrick.Astros 7, Angels 2
Gordon Beckhamdoubled to center scoringErick Aybar.Astros 7, Angels 3
This would be the last we’d hear of the Angels as the early lead mounted by the Astros was too great to overcome.
Altuve sealed the deal by doubling left scoringGregorio Petitand advancing Grossman to 3rd base.Final Score: Astros 8, Angels 3
Lawless said his style is less reliant on the long ball and he demonstrated it could be done against a good team to defeat them.
The Astros smacked out15hits — but it was Altuve that shined. He went4-for-5withtwoRBIs,onedouble,onehome run andonestolen base. It was another day at the office for him.
Brad Peacockactually went the distance for this game and didn’t took too shabby — he allowedfourhits,twoearned runs,twowalks and fannedfivein6.1innings of work. He only needed98pitches — didn’t even hit the century mark — to get the job done.
What a win against a quality team! Let’s hope to see more of this!
The Astros do it again tomorrow night against the Halos for the second and final game of the set. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. —Collin McHughwill be on the bump battling againstJered Weaver, a match up of aces of sorts.
Go ‘Stros!
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