CLOSING THE GAP
How Houston Astros latest statement series holds critical keys to returning to championship form
Jul 3, 2023, 8:01 pm
Astros latest STATEMENT series holds CRITICAL keys to returning to championship form!
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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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.