Wow! Three-in-a-row! This is something to get excited about!
The Houston Astros have done just that, stringing off three impressive wins against some quality teams in the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland A’s.
They fell behind in the game, their wits were tested and they still found a way to win the game.
Tom Lawlessis now 3-0 as the Astros interim manager. He keeps this up, that interim tag could be removed! He has been coaching/managing for a long time in the minor leagues so this may be his shot!
This was just another impressive win where the Astros could’ve given up when things got rough but stayed the course and were able to get the win.
Let’s roll!
The first couple of innings involved some solid defense with a series of ground outs, line outs and strikeouts on both sides.
At the top of the 3rd inning, the Astros struck first withJon Singletonsending a solo homer out to right-center.Astros 1, A’s 0
At the bottom of the inning,Derek Norrissingled to right scoringAlberto CallaspoandCraig Gentry.Josh Donaldsonalso advanced to third on the play because of fielding error byJake Marisnick. It looked like he had it but the ball seemed to bounce off the top of his glove causing him to bobble it a bit.A’s 2, Astros 1
August 14, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman
Jose Altuve(27) scores on a RBI-double by catcher
Carlos Corporan(22, not pictured) against Oakland Athletics catcher
Stephen Vogt(21, left) during the 11th inning at O.co Coliseum. The Astros defeated the Athletics 2-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Dunnthen singled on a grounder to 2nd base scoring Donaldson and advancing Norris to 2nd base.A’s 3, Astros 1
At the top of the 4th, the Astros answered back with aChris Cartersingle to center scoringJose Altuvewho had stolen 2nd base on the previous play whenDexter Fowlerwas up to bat and struck out.A’s 3, Astros 2
The defense started to turn back up again and then Carter had the opportunity to seal another one.
It was the top of the 6th and he was up to bat. The pitch count was3-1andJeff Samardzijawas up toeightpitches on him. That last pitch appeared as if he threw everything he had and it resulted in Carter sending a dinger out to left-center scoring Altuve and himself.Final Score: Astros 4, A’s 3
Samardzija handed him a97miles-per-hour, four-seam fastball that looked quite difficult to hit.
Not for Carter though.
That was the end to that and after several attempts by the A’s to strike back, they were fruitless because of the solid pitching done by the staff tonight.
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Speaking of that,Brett Oberholtzerallowedsevenhits,threeearned runs,twowalks andonestrikeout in6.1innings of work.
Not bad.
Jose VerasandTony Sippdid an excellent job in closing out the game with both of them combining forsixstrikeouts. Veras gets credited with the hold and Sipp gets the save notching their third each on the season.
Carter and Altuve were the offensive keys to the game with them each going2-for-4. Carter hit his36thhome run of the season, good for2ndin the majors along with smacking out three ribbies.
Altuve stole his51stbase, ranking him3rdin the majors in that category.
What a win!
The Astros do it again tomorrow matinee-style at3:05 p.m. CDT.Scott Feldmanhas been tapped to take the mound and he’ll be battling with veteran aceScott Kazmir.
Go ‘Stros!
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