Only four episodes left! Episode 2 was much like episode 1. A set up with a lot of interaction between key characters. The real stuff starts next week. A look at what happened:
1) All about Jamie
The first 20 minutes of the show was about Jamie. His interactions with Tyrion, Bran and Lady Brienne were strong. Even Daenerys backed off with him. It was Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's acting at its best.
2) Setting up
The whole show was a setup for the big battle. In essence, it was a continuation of the first episode. Lots of characters connecting. Cool to watch, but not much action. And no deaths! (I think we will see many of those next week).
3) The big battle
We are now set up for the big battle with the dead. My guess is lots of deaths. Surprised they did not send Arya to kill Cersei. And we really did not need to see her have sex with the useless Gendry, did we? It felt uncomfortable because we have watched her since he was a child.
4) The Greyjoys
Theon showed up and did not do much. But he did arrive and he is on the side of the living. How long does he survive? His relationship with Sansa is interesting now as well. And he is going to protect Bran?
5) The key moments
There we so many great interactions. Jamie knighting Brienne. The whole scene with all of them together (who knew Podric could sing?) And Jon told Dany his real background. You can tell all he cares about is beating the Night King. Does anyone else fear he dies in this battle? Only four episodes left. Next week should be huge.
Not a great episode but not bad. Suspect the next one will be huge. This should be an all time battle. Can't wait to see what happens!
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Jose Altuve will hit leadoff for Houston in the opener against Baltimore. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images.
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Friday night looking to protect their lead in the AL West and build momentum as the calendar edges deeper into August. They’ll open a three-game weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles — a matchup that, on paper, tilts heavily in Houston’s favor.
Framber Valdez takes the mound for the Astros in the opener, bringing an 11-5 record, 2.97 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP into his 24th start of the season. The left-hander has been a reliable anchor for Houston’s rotation all year, capable of handling both high-leverage situations and deep outings, and he’ll be tasked with quieting a Baltimore lineup that’s been ice cold of late.
The Orioles counter with right-hander Brandon Young, still searching for his first win in the majors. Young has endured a rough debut season, going 0-6 with a 6.70 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. Baltimore will need him to find some early rhythm to have a chance, particularly against a Houston offense that has begun to heat up.
Carlos Correa has been Houston’s hottest bat over the past 10 games, going 16-for-40 with two home runs and seven RBIs. The Orioles’ top offensive threat remains catcher Adley Rutschman, who has nine homers and 27 RBIs, while infielder Jordan Westburg has added some pop with two homers in his last 10 games.
Baltimore has dropped six of its last 10 games, batting just .184 over that span and being outscored by 19 runs. Houston, by contrast, has gone 6-4 in its last 10, scoring enough to outpace opponents despite a 4.50 team ERA during that stretch.
This marks the first meeting between the Astros and Orioles this season. With 37 wins already at home and 14 of their next 17 games coming against teams with losing records, Houston sees this series as a prime opportunity to add wins and tighten its grip on a playoff bye — while keeping the pressure squarely on the AL West chase.
Starting lineup
Right away, you'll notice Jeremy Pena (illness) is out.
Jeremy Peña is under the weather, Joe Espada said. He reported to the ballpark today but is now seeing team doctors to see what’s wrong. https://t.co/zmYY45fLXk
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 15, 2025
Altuve will DH and hit leadoff, with Correa hitting second (3B), and Jesus Sanchez batting third (LF).
For The Players.
⚾️: 7:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN | SCHN2
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3. FM#BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/YsFmC7xhIC
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 15, 2025
Christian Walker will hit cleanup and play first base, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Ramon Urias (2B), Taylor Trammell (CF), Mauricio Dubon (SS), and Cam Smith (RF).
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!