GIDDY-UP!
Astros minor league affiliate blasts off with new spacey name
Jan 19, 2022, 2:33 pm
The Skeeters will have a new name for the 2022 season. SugarLandSkeeters/Facebook
The Houston Astros Triple A affiliate will soon have a new name. While it be tempting to call them the Gangsters of Love, that name won't be on the jerseys.
Instead, the team will announce that the Sugar Land Skeeters will become the Space Cowboys, according to multiple media reports. Images of a potential new logo have been circulating online.
HOW 'BOUT THEM SPACE COWBOYS! pic.twitter.com/oEqJdPka6M
— Michael Garfield 🤘 (@garf) January 19, 2022
An event on Saturday, January 29, at Constellation Field will make the change official. Held from 4-7 pm, it will introduce the team's new mascot, logo, and uniforms. In addition, Astros prospects Brett Conine, Chad Donato, JP France, Korey Lee, and JJ Matijevic as well as Sugar Land manager Mickey Storey will make appearances and hold autograph sessions.
The event also features live music. No word yet on whether Steve Miller Band is on the setlist. A fireworks display will close out the evening.
Continue on CultureMap to learn more!
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How Astros just put league on notice with dominant pitching, clutch hitting
Jun 26, 2025, 7:08 pm
Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
CAM SMITH COMES THROUGH! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/Y6dtPpXF9J
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.
Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.
Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.
FULL THROTTLE.
Hunter Brown now leads the MLB in lowest ERA (1.74). #BuiltForFuel pic.twitter.com/nkwT2MpgJQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.
Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!
🧹🧹🧹
After the @Astros completed their sweep of the Phillies, @JuliaMorales visited with Bryan Abreu!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/UeOOSNDKwW
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) June 26, 2025
Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.
Key moment
Smith’s RBI.
Key stat
Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.
Up next
The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.
The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).