Astros extend winning streak to six games
Astros daily report presented by APG&E: 3 hits from the 8-1 win
May 13, 2019, 9:14 pm
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
After sweeping the Rangers in Houston to finish last week and put them on a five-game winning streak, the Astros started a week on the road in Detroit on Monday night. Here's a recap of the first of three games against the Tigers:
Final Score: Astros 8, Tigers 1
Record: 27-15, first in the AL West.
Winning pitcher: Brad Peacock (4-2, 4.01 ERA)
Losing pitcher: Matthew Boyd (4-3, 3.15 ERA)
1) Living by the long ball
Aledmys Diaz got the scoring started for Houston in the top of the second, hitting a solo home run to grab a 1-0 lead. After a walk from Tyler White in the next at-bat, Robinson Chirinos took advantage with a home run of his own to extend the lead to 3-0. Jake Marisnick kept the home run train going by hitting a two-run blast of his own in the top of the seventh to make the game 5-1. George Springer scored the first run that wasn't a homer in the top of the ninth, hitting an RBI single to extend the lead to 6-1 before Alex Bregman immediately followed with a home run to make it 8-1.
2) Peacock throws five innings
Brad Peacock did not have as great of a start on Monday as he did last week in Houston, only getting through five innings of work compared to the seven shutout innings in his last start. Over those five innings, he allowed one run on just three hits, four walks, and struck out three. The four walks increased his pitch count early, resulting in his short outing.
3) Bullpen pitches the final four innings
Hector Rondon took over on the mound in the sixth and was able to work around a hit to complete a scoreless inning. Will Harris had the seventh and was able to erase a couple of walks to send the game to the final two innings. Ryan Pressly was on the mound for the eighth and continued his streak of scoreless innings, then Josh James came in with the seven-run lead in the ninth and closed out the win on an incredible catch by George Springer.
Up Next: The Astros and Tigers will continue this series with another 6:10 PM start time tomorrow night. Wade Miley (3-2, 3.18 ERA) will be on the mound for Houston opposite of Ryan Carpenter (0-1, 10.80 ERA) for Detroit.
The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.
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The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.
But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.
Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.
As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.
Can the bats keep pace?
If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.
As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.
The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.
Cristian Javier threw a 20-pitch live BP today in West Palm Beach. According to Joe Espada, he was up to 95 mph.
Luis Garcia should throw a live BP next week.
Spencer Arrighetti is still not throwing off a mound yet.
Yordan Alvarez has not resumed hitting.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 20, 2025
Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.
The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.
There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
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