Houston Astros: Gurriel and White get team back on track
The Houston Astros ended their three-game slide against the Blue Jays on Thursday night, beating the Jays, 16-7.
Tonight’s win gave the Houston Astros their 70th victory of the season. They’re the first American League team to reach 70 wins. The win not only helped the Houston Astros end their losing streak. It also rejuvenated their offense after they only scored three runs in their previous two games combined.
This offensive performance was especially impressive because it came without any of their superstars in the lineup (Altuve, Springer, Correa).
The Great White’s big night
Tyler White had a career night; he went four-for-five including two home runs and a career high five runs batted in.
“It was fun… everybody was hitting, it was a lot of fun to go out there and compete,” White said in his post-game interview with Julia Morales.
Everyone was indeed hitting, all batters in the Houston lineup had a hit. The Astros put up nine runs in the fourth inning where 15 batters came to the plate.
The inning concluded with a deep fly ball out by Alex Bregman, which was close to being his second home run of the inning.
Yuli’s perfect game
Yuli Gurriel had an impressive stat-line as well. Gurriel went three-for-three and had three runs batted in which included a two-run home run in the first inning.
Gurriel also walked twice in Thursday’s game, which is a rare feat for him.
Possible concerns
Although this was an offensive explosion by the Astros there are some things that deserve attention that could hurt this team moving forward.
Evan Gattis was diagnosed with a minor concussion after being hit in the head Wednesday night by the backswing of Corey Dickerson.
If Gattis were to be moved to the disabled list then Brian McCann would be the Astros’ only available catcher.
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Brad Peacock has been the team’s best pitcher recently but giving up seven runs tonight might add more concern to the Astros starting pitchers recent performances.
All of that being said, tonight was definitely a night that the Astros should celebrate instead of loathe.