Armani Answers

Armani Sanchez has a never ending love for the game of baseball

Edward McFarland
Armani Sanchez has a never ending love for the game of baseball
Armani Sanchez, Heights shortstop Vype

Armani Sanchez is the most dominant high school baseball player in Houston, Texas.

He plays shortstop for the Heights Bulldogs and he just recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by committing to play college baseball for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Sanchez is coming off a season where he had a batting average of .432 including 13 RBIs and 22 runs for himself.

“What makes me good at baseball I believe is my baseball IQ,” Sanchez said. “I know where I’m supposed to be at all times. I stay ahead of the play and I’m very coachable.”

In addition to his IQ, Sanchez is a “never too high, never too low” type of guy.

No matter how successful he is on the field, he feels there is always room for improvement, and even when he fails at something, he tries to remain positive.

Sanchez has been holding a bat in his hand since the age of four, and he credits his mother with having the biggest impact on him being the dominant player he is today.

“My mom has been my #1 supporter since day one,” Sanchez said. “There are no words to describe my mother mainly because she’s a single mother which to me is the toughest job in the world.”

VYPE Q&A

VYPE: What led to your decision to commit to OU?

Sanchez:  Oklahoma has always been a dream school to me. As soon as I got to campus they made it feel like home. I love all sports and I love to see all of Oklahoma athletes succeed.

VYPE: What got you into playing baseball?

Sanchez: I’ve been holding a bat since I was four years old and it has stuck with me thanks to my family. I’ve fell in love with the competitiveness also.

VYPE: What’s something your coach always tells you?

Sanchez: “Learn how to take failure cause failing is a part of life.”

VYPE: If you could play a different sport, what would it be?

Sanchez: Baseball is what I live for.

VYPE: Favorite quote and/or bible verse?

Sanchez: F.F.L which means “FAMILY. FOR. LIFE”. That’s stuck with me since I was a young kid. I also have it marked on my cleats.

VYPE: What’s your dream job?

Sanchez:  My dream job is to be a professional baseball player.

VYPE: What’s your favorite hobby?

Sanchez: I would say designing clothes for my friends and our brand. The brand is called Spiffy which means “fresh” and we have 3 crosses on the back cause my friend Alex Botello and  I are strong believers in God. We let Him lead our paths.

VYPE: What’s your biggest fear?

Sanchez: Biggest fear would be planes, but not because of how high they go, but because of the movie, “Snakes On A Plane”.

VYPE: Favorite Artist/Song

Sanchez: Bad Bunny

VYPE: Favorite vacation spot?

Sanchez: Columbia: It runs in my blood.

VYPE: Favorite brand of shoes?

Sanchez: Vans

VYPE: Favorite athlete?

Sanchez: Fransisco Lindor

VYPE: Favorite food or snack?

Sanchez: Mexican food

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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