Joe Espada deserves to be Manager of the Year. Composite Getty Image.
With a first-place team that’s defied expectations, manager Joe Espada’s unconventional approach is proving to be the secret sauce behind the current lineup’s surprising success.
From innovative lineup shuffles to creative in-game adjustments, we break down Espada’s impact and question whether this new group of players should be given more long-term trust. As injuries continue to sideline key veterans, the Astros’ resilience has forced the rest of the American League to take notice.
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein explore why the Astros’ performance isn’t just a flash in the pan, but a signal that this team is headed for bigger things—even in the midst of adversity.
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Astros emerge on top after thrilling battle with Red Sox
Aug 11, 2025, 10:45 pm
Ramón Urías had three hits with a two-run homer and Chas McCormick hit his first homer this season as the Houston Astros built a big lead and held on for a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.
Urías with his first HR as an Astro!
7-2 Stros! pic.twitter.com/7cjTjsYFro
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 12, 2025
Carlos Correa hit an RBI single to help the Astros to the victory after they were swept in Boston to start the month.
Attaboy, Los. #TheNextFrontier pic.twitter.com/UyuQFu9HWu
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 12, 2025
It was his first home game since rejoining the team in a blockbuster trade from the Twins.
Take it all in, H-Town.#TheNextFrontier pic.twitter.com/CqFg3AHAik
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 12, 2025
Houston starter Cristian Javier (1-0) had a solid outing in his return after sitting out more than 14 months following Tommy John surgery. He allowed two hits and two runs in the first inning before settling down and giving up just one single over the next four innings.
Alex Bregman’s two-run home run in the first inning gave Boston an early lead in his first game in Houston since leaving the Astros this offseason.
The Astros welcomed Bregman back with the video below.
A leader, a champion, an H-Town legend.
Welcome back, Breggy. pic.twitter.com/vN9HtUvjAc
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 12, 2025
Houston scored three runs in the third to take the lead and got a two-run shot from McCormick in the fourth and a two-run homer from Urías in the fifth to make it 7-2.
CHAZZY FIZZ!#TheNextFrontier pic.twitter.com/EnvFtZQPrU
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 12, 2025
But the Red Sox scored four runs with two outs in the seventh inning, highlighted by home runs from Abraham Toro and Roman Anthony, to get within 1. Bregman singled after that, but Jarren Duran grounded out to end the inning.
Connor Wong doubled off Enyel De Los Santos with two outs in the ninth inning and Bennett Sousa took over and struck out Anthony to end it and collect his fourth save.
Boston’s Garrett Crochet (13-5) yielded seven hits and tied a season-high with five runs in a season-low four innings to snap a nine-game winning streak and give him his first loss since May 26.
Urías, who was acquired from Baltimore at the deadline, finished a triple shy of the cycle to tie a season high in hits.
Key moment
Sousa’s strikeout of Anthony in the ninth.
Key stat
McCormick’s home run was his first since Aug. 28. He caught up with Julia Morlaes after the game and talked about the big homer.
Chas McCormick with a top rail fastball home run tonight in the @astros win.
After the game he spoke with @JuliaMorales pic.twitter.com/NBepPemtBD
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) August 12, 2025
Up next
Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-2, 7.43 ERA) opposes RHP Dustin May (6-8, 4.93) when the series continues Tuesday night.
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