ESPYS 2018

Barry Laminack: The 2018 ESPYs were actually good

Barry Laminack: The 2018 ESPYs were actually good
Several Houston athletes made appearances at the 2018 ESPYs. Astros Facebook

I'm not really an awards show guy, but with nothing else on I decided to turn on the ESPYs while I worked on some other things on my computer. There were a few cheesy moments to be sure, but overall it wasn’t all that bad. 

I give host Danica Patrick a 6.5783745 out of 10. 

While it was cool to see the Astros get Team of the Year, there were a couple of poignant moments throughout the night that really stood out to me.

The first was the “Best Coach of the Year” Award. It wasn’t the usual suspects (no pun intended). Instead, the award was given to Aaron Feis, Scott Beigel and Chris Hixon, three coaches that were killed bravely trying to defend and save their students in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings in Parkland, Florida back in February.

Secondly, I was really moved by Jim Kelly, winner of the 2018 Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. The man has been through some stuff in his life, and still seems like such a positive person who has become a really positive and motivational influence on people. 

Kelly opened his speech talking about his son, and boy did it get misty in my living room. He talked about persevering, and about the love and support that he has had throughout his life. 

“So I just urge everybody out there, if you have somebody out there who is suffering, it doesn't have to be cancer, it could be somebody not having a good day. It could be your mom or your dad. It could be your grandparents. What you say to them, the smile that you have on your face, that could be the difference in them making it to the next day. Remember that." - Jim Kelly

It was all very moving.

But there was nothing more moving, powerful, or impactful than the final award of the night — the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. The award went to all of the victims and survivors of Larry Nassar. 141 of the 333 victims stood on the stage to accept the award. 3 of them, former gymnast Sarah Klein (Nassar’s first victim), former Michigan State softball player Tiffany Thomas Lopez and former US Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, spoke — telling their story for the world to hear. 

To see that many women on stage — all victims of 1 man (and a failed support system of adults) was eye-opening. All 3 of the speakers did an outstanding job, displaying composure, grace, and poise beyond what most of us possess. 

The one quote that really hit me hard was when Aly Raisman said the following:

"All we needed was just 1 adult to have the integrity to stand between us and Larry Nasser."

Speak Up.

Speak Out.
 

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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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