The Houston Astros have put together another series win, seizing two out of three games in their series against the Seattle Mariners!
This was certainly a game of firsts and the Astros couldn’t have done it in better fashion than by becoming the victor last night!
Jose Altuve, who has had a season for the ages, completed his 200th hit on the season being the first Astro sinceCraig Biggioto do so.
Keep in the mind, it has been more than 15 years since Biggio completed that feat so it’s definitely worth noting.
A feat like that isn’t easy to attain but Altuve has made it look effortless as he approached the record.
He only needed two hits to do it and he got them…
This is just another accent to the encouraging push the Astros are making to the finish line and it’s something to build off of for next season and beyond.
Sep 10, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher
Nick Tropeano(63) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
In addition, last night wasNick Tropeano‘s debut in the major leagues as a starting pitcher.
I imagine that he has been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time.
He did not disappoint either…
It was also great to see when the camera would transition to shots of his family in the stands throughout the game — they seemed so proud of him, especially his father.
One can tell that all of the hard work he had undertaken had finally paid off — playing pitch with his son in the backyard during his childhood days, the little league games, and the gradual move up to playing ball at West Islip High and Stony Brook U, his high school and college alma mater, respectively.
Through and through, he finally made it…
His first MLB pitch was toAustin Jacksonand it was a strike! He eventually struck him out in four pitches!
What a great start!
Now let’s get to it!
The Astros struck first withMax Stassi, also making his major league debut, singling to left scoringJon SingletonandAlex Presley. Because of the timing of the throw, Stassi was able to advance to 2nd base.Astros 2, Mariners 0
Later on in the frame,Jonathan Villardoubled to left scoring Stassi. Villar continues to keep making plays to put the Astros on top.Astros 3, Mariners 0
At the bottom of the 2nd, the Mariners answered with aMike Zuninodouble to center scoringKyle SeagerandBrad Miller. This would mark the first and only two runs given up by Tropeano.Astros 3, Mariners 2
Seager was walked previously and Miller singled to shortstop but it was a throwing error by Villar that allowed each to advance to 3rd and 2nd base, respectively, putting Seager in scoring position.
Until the 5th inning, we would see a series of line outs, ground outs and strike outs on both sides.
At the top of the 5th, Altuve doubled to left scoringRobbie Grossman, who had singled to center when he was at-bat.Astros 4, Mariners 2
Sep 10, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; The Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Houston defeated Seattle 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
After aDexter Fowlerwalk, it was the end of the road forHisashi Iwakumaand was pulled in favor ofDominic Leone. Leone immediately took control, not allowing a hit and struck out three in the 1.2 innings he pitched.
At the top of the 8th, the Astros final score involved Presley singling to left scoringChris Carter. Presley was able to advance to third because of a throwing error byJames Joneswho went for Carter at home. The throw was severely off to Zunino and both Carter and Presley were safe at their respective positions.Final Score: Astros 5, Mariners 2
And there you have it, another hard-fought, cerebral Astros win! They took the lead and still maintained control when things got tight in the 2nd inning!
Offensively, Altuve was obviously the star with his milestone, going2-for-5withoneribbie,adouble andastolen base. But Grossman also went2-for-5and Presley went2-for-4to help will the team to a win.
How did Trope do?
Not bad.
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He allowedfourhits,twoearned runs, walkedtwoand fannedfiveinfiveinnings of work. He was able to get his first major league win and his ERA sits at3.60which is right about what he averaged —3.05— with the RedHawks this past season. The rookie did a solid job in his call-up for duty.
The bullpen did well — they only allowedonehit and struck outfive.Darin DownsandJose Veraseach get credited with a hold andTony Sippgets his 4th save on the season.
The Astros have the day off and continue their road trip — they’ll swing out to SoCal to face the Los Angeles Angels Friday for a weekend, three-game set. This will be their final series of the season against them.
The first pitch is scheduled for9:05 p.m. CDT.Brett Oberholtzerwill get the start and will do battle withC.J. Wilsonwho really got roughed up by the Astros the last time they faced each other. Let’s hope C.J. does again!
Go ‘Stros!
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