STAR POWER
How the Astros can get back on track after dropping 3 straight
Apr 13, 2021, 5:17 pm
STAR POWER
After a 5-1 record to start the season, the Astros looked to continue their winning ways at home in front of their fans for the first time since Game 7 of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals.
"It was a beautiful night," José Altuve said. "Kind of like a dream come true."
After receiving some harsh (yet sometimes funny) criticism from opposing fans to start the season, the Astros were welcomed back with open arms. Manager Dusty Baker said the crowd had an effect on the game as well.
"It made a big difference," manager Dusty Baker said. "I could see the positive energy on our team."
The Astros won their home opener 6-2 behind a good start from Cristian Javier (1-0) who threw 5 scoreless innings and gave up three hits with seven strikeouts.
Houston also received some production from their bats as Carlos Correa, Yordan Alvarez and Atluve all homered to help the Astros increase their record to 6-1 to start the season.
The Astros outscored their opponents 52-19 their first seven games of the season and Michael Brantley led the team with a .538 batting average. The Astros top 6 hitters were all batting over .300 during this 6-1 stretch.
This would unfortunately be the peak of their young season. After their home opener, the Astros would go on to lose their next three games. (Two losses to the A's and one loss to the Tigers).
How the Astros can get back on track
The Astros were outscored 19-7 during this losing streak and left a total of 22 runners on base.
Pitchers Jose Urquidy and Zack Greinke combined to give up 11 runs in back-to-back starts. This in addition to their inability to drive in runs consistently is what ultimately lead to their current 3-game losing streak.
The Astros currently sit at 6-4 and are in second place behind the Los Angeles Angels (7-4) in the American League West.
A three-game losing streak only 10 games into the 2021 season is hardly a cause for concern as the Astros still have one of the most potent offenses in the league and have the pitching to compete with any team in the big leagues.
ONE THING TO NOTE: This was AJ Hinch's first game since getting let go from the Astros in early 2020. The former Astros' manager received a video tribute prior to Monday's game against the Tigers, and got a standing ovation when his name was announced as the Tigers' manager.
"This place is very special to me," Hinch said. "It's the only time I've ever been uncomfortable in this setting, in this building. I really do appreciate it. It touched me. I wanted to get out and tip my cap and then get back in before I showed too much emotion."
UP NEXT: Jake Odorizzi will make his season debut when the series continues Tuesday night after signing with the Astros on March 8th. He will be facing left-hander Matthew Boyd as the Astros look to even the series against the Tigers.
San Francisco Giants (2-1) vs. Houston Astros (2-1)
Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Pitching Probables:
Giants: Jordan Hicks (0-0)
Astros: Ronel Blanco (0-0)
BetMGM Sportsbook Line: Astros -124, Giants +104; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
Series opener preview
The Houston Astros kick off a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 2-1 records after securing series wins to open the season.
Houston, coming off an 88-73 season in 2024, looks to build on its early success at Daikin Park. The Astros were strong at home last year, posting a 46-35 record while averaging 4.6 runs per game. Their pitching staff held opponents to 4.0 runs per game, a key factor in their success.
San Francisco, after an 80-82 season in 2024, is aiming for a stronger campaign. The Giants posted a sub-.500 road record (38-43) last year but showcased a solid offensive approach with a .396 slugging percentage and .701 OPS as a team.
The series opener will feature a matchup between Houston’s Ronel Blanco and San Francisco’s Jordan Hicks, both making their season debuts on the mound. Blanco is looking to solidify his spot in the Astros' rotation, while Hicks transitions from a bullpen role to a starter for the Giants.
Injury Report
Houston is dealing with several injuries, with key pitchers Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, and J.P. France all on the injured list. The Giants are also without catcher Tom Murphy (back) and outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (finger).
With both teams seeking to build momentum early in the season, this series could provide an early glimpse into their respective playoff aspirations.