How Houston Astros latest statement series holds critical keys to returning to championship form
CLOSING THE GAP
04 July 2023
The Houston Astros recorded a huge series win against the Texas Rangers this week, which now has the team within striking distance to reclaim the lead in the AL West.
Kyle Tucker, Jose Abreu, and Chas McCormick continue to spark the team's offense, and Yordan Alvarez looks to be getting closer to returning from his oblique injury.
However, Cristian Javier's recent struggles have reached an all-time high, as he appears broken. It's hard to have any level of trust with him right now. He's surrendered 18 earned runs in his last three appearances.
With the All-Star break just around the corner, it may benefit him the most to get some rest and work on his mechanics. Pitching again before the break could make things even worse. Something is clearly off. His strikeouts are way down, with only 6 in his last three starts.
Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss what this huge series win means for the Astros moving forward, and much more!
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Amen Thompson's triple-double helps Rockets rally for win over Suns
Feb 12, 2025, 10:13 pm
Amen Thompson had 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth career triple-double and the Houston Rockets used a big run late to get a 119-111 win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.
It was the second triple-double this month after the second-year player also had one on Feb. 3.
The game was tied after a 3-pointer by Bol Bol before the Rockets used an 11-2 run to take a 115-106 lead with just more than a minute to go.
Jalen Green scored the first five points in that stretch before Dillon Brooks made consecutive 3-pointers to allow Houston to pull away.
Kevin Durant had 37 points for the short-handed Suns, who were missing Devin Booker, who sat out with a bruised lower back. The Suns lost their third in a row and for the sixth time in seven games.
They led by 8 entering the fourth quarter before Houston rallied for the victory.
Alperen Sengun had 17 points and 13 rebounds after sitting out most of Sunday’s game dealing with back spasms to help the Rockets win a second straight. Tari Eason added 25 points for Houston and Green had 22.
Takeaways
Suns: Durant continues to play at a high level, but the Suns need to get their other stars healthy to take some pressure off the 36-year-old.
Rockets: The Rockets used a balanced scoring attack to get the win with all five starters finishing with at least 17 points.
Key moment
A dunk by Durant got the Suns within 3 late before the two 3-pointers by Brooks put the game away.
Key stat
The Rockets scored 25 points off 17 Phoenix turnovers.
Up next
The Rockets host the Warriors and the Suns visit the Spurs on Thursday night.
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