THE LEFT TURN

5 high-octane questions for NASCAR prospect Daniel Dye

5 high-octane questions for NASCAR prospect Daniel Dye
Start your engines! Photo via: DanielDyeRacing.com/screenshot.

I was lucky enough to get to talk to ARCA upstart, Daniel Dye about his big win last weekend at Berlin Raceway in Maine. It was awesome to get to talk to him, and he provided a lot of great insight about the victory and what his plans are for the future. This young man has a lot of talent and can truly be a force to be reckoned with in the next few years.

SportsMap: I am joined here today by the driver of the #21 GMS Chevy, Mr. Daniel Dye. Daniel, How are you doing today?

Daniel Dye: Doing great man!

SM: So first and foremost, a big win for you guys this weekend at Berlin. That had to have felt good to dominate the way you guys did?

DD: Yeah, it was a great day for sure. Second in practice there right off the bat and to get the pole and set the track record for ARCA at Berlin was really cool. It was amazing to go out there and lead every lap and my Crew-Chief Chad Bryant put together a great car and made it really easy for me.

SM: Chad has been a fixture around the ARCA series for quite some time. He's got to be a big help in your progression, I would imagine.

DD: Yeah, for sure. This was actually only my third race with him, but he's been a big help in trying to get me in a more professional environment, and I got five more opportunities to get him some more wins.

SM: It had to have been a great feeling when you went out and beat the two guys in the series in with Ty Gibbs and Corey Heim.

DD: I think that's what made it so special. That Joe Gibbs short-track program has almost been untouchable, so to go out there and beat him was awesome. We had a great battle there in the end, so to beat that #18 car at a short-track is pretty cool.

SM: Let's talk a little bit about what you have planned for the future. Where do you see yourself racing next season?

DD: I would love to get a deal together to run the full ARCA series next season and get to run on the big tracks like Daytona or Talladega. But hopefully we can keep climbing the latter and get to the cup series one day.

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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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