ASTROS WIN
Big crowd at Minute Maid goes crazy as Astros win World Series and Correa gets engaged
Marcy de Luna
Nov 2, 2017, 8:35 am
Carlos Correa got engaged. Getty Images
Oh, what a night! An intense World Series battle between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers that made fans on both sides an emotional wreck turned out to be pure bliss for Houstonians Wednesday night as the Astros made history, winning the franchise's first World Series in the winner-take-all game.
As they did Tuesday night in Game 6, fans in orange and navy Astros gear turned out in force at Minute Maid Park for the World Series Game 7 Watch Party to cheer or cry together, depending on the outcome.
While lines were long when the doors opened at 5 pm, more than 17,000 fans quickly filed into the stadium to snag a prime seat on three levels from first base to third and catch the game on the ballpark's large projector screen that hangs above the outfield— and on every flatscreen TV around.
"It's game 7 and I want to be here to feel the energy when we win this game. The city needs this coming off of Hurricane Harvey," Astros fan Hilary Stalarow told CultureMap.
The crowd, a mix of ages with many families and children in the stands, started getting rowdy early on. Just before the first pitch, a group seated in a section of seats booed two L.A. fans in Dodgers jerseys as they arrived. The roar became louder as many in the ball park chimed in, and everyone turned to stare down the culprits. The boos were immediately followed by a loud chant that was constant throughout the night, "Beat L.A.!"
The excitement level surged in the first inning as the Astros jumped to a 2-0 lead and climbed in the second inning as pitcher Lance McCullers showed off his batting prowess with a fielder's choice ground out to extend the lead to 3-0. The crowd stood to cheer and remained standing when center fielder George Springer hit a two-run homer in the same inning to push the score to 5-0 Astros. Cheers of "Dilly, Dilly!" and "Let's go Astros" erupted as hope and emotions kicked into high gear.
Fortunately for emotionally worn-out fans, Wednesday's game didn't have the drastic ups and downs of Game 2 and Game 5 (or the complete downer of Game 6). Things calmed down as the Dodgers could only manage one run throughout the game, but more boos ensued when images from Dodger Stadium on the screen showed celebs in the crowd, including Mary Hart and Larry King. Every celebrity that is, but swimsuit model and pitcher Justin Verlander's fiance, Kate Upton, who received rousing cheers of support.
But nothing compared to the overwhelming feeling of exhilaration as the Astros won game 7, beating the Dodgers 5-1. Hugs, high-fives, and a few tears followed as confetti streamed from the rafters. It was a stirring moment of pure joy in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The crowd stood united, grateful to and proud of the Astros, and all the havoc disappeared for one night. Houston deserves it. And the Astros earned it.
Just when fans thought it couldn't get any better, those who were filing out looked up at the screen and watched as Astros shortstop Carlos Correa got down on one knee after the game in Los Angeles and proposed to his fiancé, Miss Texas USA Daniella Rodriguez, on national TV. She said yes.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
The Houston Astros walked out of Phoenix with a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks, but the biggest win of the series might not have been in the standings, it could’ve been the emergence of their latest young spark plug.
Once again, the pitching carried the load. Brandon Walter continued his breakout season with another strong showing, and right now, he looks like Houston’s third starter if the playoffs began today. Behind him, Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon have quietly helped stabilize a rotation ravaged by injuries. All three own ERAs under 4.5, a luxury the Astros couldn’t have anticipated heading into the year. Another thing they couldn't have anticipated was Lance McCullers' ERA this season being almost seven.
Walter’s rise comes at the same time the McCullers situation grows murkier. After starting the season late, he’s on the injured list again, this time with a blister on his pitching hand. Though the issue isn’t related to his arm, the “vibes” simply haven't been there. He’s struggled in four of his last five starts, and one wonders whether a "phantom" IL stint might be in his future, especially with Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti progressing in rehab assignments. The roster squeeze is coming, and McCullers might not make the cut.
Crushing dingers!
Offensively, the conversation begins and ends with Brice Matthews. The first-round pick has quickly shifted from injury fill-in to potential staple, nearly winning the series by himself with three home runs across the first two games. His athleticism has popped in the field, and while contact concerns remain, the power and energy are real. Matthews is the only prospect of his pedigree ready to contribute, so the club made a wise decision to take a shot on upside, and Matthews delivered. That's why we were so emphatic about the Astros elevating Matthews. Get him in the lineup as a DH if you have to, whatever it takes, this offense needs pop. Then lo and behold, not only does he give the offense a lift, his defense also helped seal a win against Arizona.
Veteran slugger Christian Walker might be heating up too, posting a .348 average with three home runs and an .895 OPS in July. That’s a promising development, especially in a month when the Astros have flipped their typical formula. The pitching has been average — 18th in ERA, 18th in WHIP, 21st in opponent batting average — but the offense has been elite: top-five in slugging, OPS, and runs scored.
Injury bug
Still, questions persist. Chief among them is the health of Yordan Alvarez. His recent comments about his hand injury — specifically, his uncertainty and acknowledgement that rest hasn’t helped — were troubling. If surgery isn’t an option and time off isn’t working, what is the long-term solution? At this point, fans are right to worry about whether Alvarez will ever fully return to the dominant form he once showed.
Trade deadline
With the trade deadline one week away, general manager Dana Brown has to weigh all of this. The pitching could soon be bolstered by returns from the IL. But the offense, especially with no clear return dates for Alvarez, Jeremy Peña, Jake Meyers, and Isaac Paredes, might need immediate help. Despite the sweep, Houston scored just three and four runs in the final two games of the Diamondbacks series. If they’re serious about contending for a championship, another bat may be required. They'll see much better pitching in the postseason.
If the Astros do decide to add an arm, a power right-handed reliever could make sense. With Bryan Abreu the only truly dominant righty in the bullpen, a little late-inning muscle wouldn’t hurt.
Bottom line: the Astros are winning, and they're doing it in multiple ways. But with health concerns piling up and playoff positioning tightening, there’s still plenty of work ahead. Fortunately for Houston, they may have just found another foundational piece in the most unexpected place, a rookie who’s already changing the conversation.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!