Houston's bats stay hot
Astros thump Red Sox, Urquidy makes strong return from IL
May 31, 2021, 6:26 pm
Houston's bats stay hot
After ending an overall disappointing weekend where they could have won all three games but instead only salvaged the win in the finale against the Padres, the Astros turned the page to a new opponent: the Red Sox. They picked up a four-game series with Boston Monday afternoon and started it with an explosive offensive performance, crushing them for the win.
Final Score: Astros 11, Red Sox 2
Astros' Record: 29-24, second in the AL West
Winning Pitcher: Jose Urquidy (4-2)
Losing Pitcher: Eduardo Rodriguez (5-4)
Much like they have done in recent games, the Astros' offense was able to grab and then build on an early lead. They plated two in the bottom of the second, one on a sac fly by Taylor Jones, then another scoring during an inning-ending double play. Jose Altuve doubled the lead in the next inning, taking advantage of a leadoff single by Martin Maldonado by hitting a two-run homer to make it 4-0.
.@JoseAltuve27 hits career home run 1️⃣4️⃣0️⃣ to move into 8th place in franchise history.#ForTheH pic.twitter.com/iOVBJprn0I
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 31, 2021
They struck again in the bottom of the fifth, getting a single and two walks to load the bases for Kyle Tucker. He continued his hot month of May, bringing in two runs on a two-RBI single, extending Houston's advantage to 6-0. Once again, that lead was being held well by Houston's starter, with hopes for a good performance from the bullpen.
Meanwhile, in his return from the injured list, Jose Urquidy was making easy work of Boston's lineup. He allowed just one baserunner in the first four innings, a two-out walk in the top of the fourth, but would get the next batter out to erase it.
He allowed his first hit in the next inning, a two-out ground-rule double, but would strand that runner as well, keeping the Red Sox off the board.
Boston broke through in the top of the sixth, getting a run on two doubles to cut the lead to 6-1. Urquidy battled back, retiring the next two batters, both on strikeouts, bringing his total to nine on the day, and ending a quality start. His final line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 87 P.
The Astros put that run back on the board and more in the bottom of the sixth, as they loaded the bases with two outs. That set up a two-RBI single by Alex Bregman, making it a seven-run lead and opening the floodgates for two more hits, an RBI double by Carlos Correa and a two-RBI single by Tucker, making it 11-1. With Urquidy's day done, Enoli Paredes took over as Houston's first reliever of the game in the top of the seventh. He tossed an impressive frame, striking out the side to keep the lead at ten runs.
Nivaldo Rodriguez, who recently rejoined the team, made his second appearance in 2021 in the top of the eighth. Boston would get a run against him, a solo home run to make it 11-2. With the score still there in the top of the ninth, Rodriguez returned for another inning, closing out the win with a scoreless inning.
Up Next: Game two of this four-game set will be a night start with first pitch at 7:10 PM Central. Luis Garcia (3-3, 2.93 ERA) is set to start the Astros, while the Red Sox will go with Garrett Richards (4-3, 3.83 ERA).
The World Series is in full swing and as we wait to see which team brings home the hardware, odds have already been released for the 2025 season.
According to Draft Kings and Fan Duel, the Astros have the sixth-best odds to win the championship next season. So while many in the national media are burying the Astros and saying the window is closed, the oddsmakers don't agree.
Of course, these odds have been released before free agency, so things will change based on the moves made this offseason.
For Houston, Alex Bregman's future with the team is up in the air. So that could have a big impact on their chances in 2025. Something else to monitor heading into the offseason is if the club would consider trading either Framber Valdez or Kyle Tucker.
If Breggy leaves, it's hard to imagine Houston moving on from Tucker. They can't afford to lose two of their best bats, and the team clearly has more depth in the rotation than they do in the outfield.
Trading Framber could clear about $18 million off the books and bring some top prospects into the farm system. And if Bregman is off the books as well, perhaps the team could afford to re-sign Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi would be significantly cheaper than signing Valdez to a long-term deal.
This could change the market
Another thing to consider this offseason is super agent Scott Boras, who also happens to represent Bregman. Boras was unable to secure blockbuster contracts for several of his clients last offseason. Many had to settle for shorter prove it deals.
It's fair to wonder if his clients will be more willing to take the first deal they are offered that they view as acceptable. As opposed to rolling the dice on what Boras is promising.
Maybe this could be a good thing for Bregman's chances of returning, if the Astros are willing to give him a reasonable offer.
Finally, Yankee GM Brian Cashman is still blaming the Astros for not being in a World Series over the last 15 years. We thought we were past this, but if he wants to go there again, we're more than happy to put him in his place!
Don't miss the video above for the full conversation!
*The Astros are always in season for discussion. Our Stone Cold ‘Stros podcasts drop Mondays!
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.