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Takeaways From The Astros-Brewers Series

By Yoni Pollak

Apr 10, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) is tagged out by Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Chris Carter (33) after being picked off first base in the fourth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) is tagged out by Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Chris Carter (33) after being picked off first base in the fourth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another series, another series loss for the Houston Astros.

The offense struggled to start the series, with Milwaukee Brewers starter Chase Anderson shutting them down for five innings. It was only until the ninth inning where the Astros almost pulled off a miraculous rally, down six with three outs to go. However, the new “slide rule” hurt the Astros and effectively ended the game with the Astros coming up just two runs short to ultimately lose the game 6-4.

The ninth inning heroics were led by none other than Tyler White, whose 3-run homer brought the team within striking distance. In game two, it was White and Colby Rasmus who brought the lumber to Miller Park. Rasmus smacked two shots, while White added his own to give him three on the season. After Pat Neshek allowed a run in the sixth inning, the 7-8-9 of Will Harris, Ken Giles and Luke Gregerson shut the door to give the Stros their second win of the season.

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With Astros ace Dallas Keuchel going in the rubber game of the series, many thought the Astros would be able to pull out a series win and an even 3-3 road trip. However, Keuchel’s control struggles continued as he walked six batters and allowed six hits in 5.2 innings pitched. It was the fifth straight time an Astros starting pitcher didn’t make it out of the sixth inning.

Sunday’s game was also the worst performance of the year by the offense. The Astros only had three hits, though two of them were solo shots by Jose Altuve and Preston Tucker. They got on base five times via the walk but Altuve, Springer and Correa each made a baserunning mistake leading to a caught stealing. It was a terribly sloppy game by the Astros and it probably cost them a win.

In case you were wondering, former Astros played a pretty big role in the Brewers series win. Domingo Santana finished 3-for-11 with two doubles and three RBI. Chris Carter also finished 3-for-11 with one home run, two doubles and two RBI of his own. Jonathan Villar was 3-of-9 with some good defense at shortstop.

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The Astros starting pitchers probably have fans worried of what’s to come. Feldman’s start was ugly, allowing four runs in four innings. Luckily for the Astros, Chris Devenski came out of the bullpen and gave them three shutout innings.

Doug Fister was a bit better on Saturday, though his velocity is concerning. The former Washington National was terrible last season and a major reason was due to his declining velocity. He was mid 80’s with his fastball, topping out at 88mph. If his fastball isn’t there, he will likely continue to use his cutter early and often like he did Saturday.

Offensively, the Astros aren’t getting much from their top two hitters. Altuve did have a hit in each game but his average sits at .208 while Springer is hitting .167. Jason Castro continues to be an offensive black hole after his 1-for-8 series. He’s now hitting just .063 with eight strikeouts in 16 at-bats.

The Astros now take on the Royals in a four-game set in the first series of the year at Minute Maid Park.

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Next: What Can We Learn From Astros/Yankees Series?

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