Houston Astros: A look at the Top 10 Dallas Keuchel moments
Top 10 Keuchel Moments: #10 thru #8
#10 Dallas Keuchel’s Debut Against Texas
What better way to start our countdown then relive the debut of Mr. Keuchel. Of course, this is the only moment of his career that did not include a trademark beard. The 2012 Houston Astros were in the midst of a time that losing would be part of the process to build up to becoming winners. Rarely were there any rays of sunshine. But on June 17, 2012, one of those sun rays appeared.
A young clean-shaven Keuchel took the mound against the Rangers looking to make the most of his debut. He did so with five innings allowing one run on four hits while striking out two batters. It was an amazing performance even though it took place in a game the Houston Astros would ultimately lose 9-3. But for those five innings, we got a glimpse of a pitcher that might be instrumental in helping us becoming champions.
#9 Dallas Keuchel shuts down Cleveland Indians in 2015
Heading into the 2015 season, much was being said about the Cleveland Indians being predicted to win the World Series that season by Sports Illustrated. So it was only fitting that Keuchel got tasked with starting against the Indians on Opening Day. In a battle of future young awards between Keuchel and Indians ace Corey Kluber, it was the bearded man from Oklahoma that came out on top. Seven innings of three-hit shutout baseball propelled him to his first win of the season as the Houston Astros won 2-0.
What made this moment memorable was that it was the first statement that the Houston Astros could be contenders. But it was also the first sign that a special season was underway for Keuchel. We know how that season ended up. But few might remember the Indians didn’t even make the playoffs. The SI Cover Jinx would last for another two seasons.
#8 Keuchel stymies Rangers for first win in Arlington
Much like the Astros, Keuchel had trouble winning against Texas. Well, actually, he had trouble winning in Arlington, to say the least. While he’s had wins against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park, it’s been the opposite story on the road. Prior to June 3, 2017, Keuchel had lost three previous starts to the Rangers with a horrific 9.50 ERA and hitters compiled a .410 batting average.
But that changed as Keuchel wound up with six innings of shutout ball in which he allowed three hits and struck out six batters. It also helped that his offense put up seven runs on Texas. This win put him at 9-0 on the season and was just another message that the Texas rivalry was changing.