I was hoping the our Houston Astros would fare better in tonight’s game and they definitely did so.
This game was definitely the utmost in strategy as if it were an eye-blinking contest to see who would blink first.
It’s apparent that the Seattle Mariners did.
This is icing to the cake in addition to the fact that the Astros will not lose more than 100 games this season.
The theme for September could be respectability as the team looks to capitalize with each win they earn from their opponents.
It would be ideal if they did because it would be an excellent way to close out this final month of the season.
Let’s get to it…
The first three innings involved a series of ground outs, line outs and strikeouts as each team dueled to make something happen but to no avail.
At the top of the 4th,Jon Singletonpopped what looked like a homer to right but the umpire ruled it as a double.
After further review that took place by the umpires, the call was upheld so that means Singleton was credited with the double and that play also scoredJake Marisnick. Singleton also was able to advance to 3rd because of the length of time on the throw.Astros 1, Mariners 0
Marisnick had previously gotten on base on a force out grounder to short stop puttingChris Carterout at 2nd base.
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It sure looked like a home run from a distance but as the replay camera indicated, the ball fell short of the top of the wall to create just enough of a ricochet to call it off.
There was an interesting development at the top of the 6th, where Singleton hit to right and it was a literally a footrace betweenRoenis Eliasand Singleton — Singleton trying to get on base and Elias trying to get the tag — the initial call on the field was that Singleton was safe and Carter got the score.
This was the 2nd play in the game where Singleton’s actions required a review and he lost the 2nd time as well.
You can’t blame him for trying to make something happen!
The replay camera indicated that Elias just barely got his foot on the base before Singleton ruling it a successful tag with him being credited with the out and the run taken off the board for the Astros.
It was quite intriguing to see it happen in regular motion but in slow-mo, it was even more of an eye-opener.
Jun 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher
Collin McHugh(31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
At the bottom of the 8th,Logan Morrisonsolo-homered to right. This was an indication thatCollin McHughwas getting tired as he was approaching the century mark as far as pitch count.Mariners 1, Astros 1
Jonathan Villarmade an incredible throw off anAustin Jacksonground out to Singleton. That was just an amazing defensive effort — boy, did he have some gas on that throw and that ended the 8th with the third recorded out!
At the top of the 9th, Villar made the game-winning play by singling to right scoringJon Singletonand advancingMatt Dominguezto 2nd base. An RBI single!Robinson Canomade a valiant effort to catch it but that baby was smoking — it was too hot for his hand!Astros 2, Mariners 1
Josh Fieldswas sent in to close the game out and he did well getting a strikeout on Jackson, a fly out byBrad Millerand finally a ground out byEndy Chavez, sealing the deal.
The bullpen did not blow it tonight — amazing!
Villar was obviously the star of this show — he went2-for-4with thekey RBI singlehe had anda double.
McHugh pitched wonderfully allowing onlytwohits,oneearned run,notwalking a batter, fanningfourand allowing thatonehome run by Morrison. He had just thrown his 100th pitch after finishing up the 8th inning.
What an encouraging win that was totally resolute!
The Astros will finish up the final game of the series tomorrow night and I’m sure they’re looking to get another to put them in the victor’s chair for this set.
The first pitch is scheduled for9:10 p.m. CDT. OKC RedHawks’ aceNick Tropeano, who had been called up after finishing the Triple-A season, is on the mound facingHisashi Iwakuma.
Go ‘Stros!
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