Most paramount lessons & biggest statement from Astros slobber-knocking slugfests
STONE COLD 'STROS
15 April 2024
The Astros host the Braves Monday night. Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Astros got a huge series win against the Rangers over the weekend, with two big performances from Ronel Blanco and Cristian Javier.
Jose Altuve had two more home runs on Sunday, giving him five total dingers this season. And while it has been a rough start to the season for Houston, they're currently only 2.5 games out of first place in the AL West behind the Rangers.
On the mend
Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez are expected to return to the rotation soon, and Verlander could be ready as soon as Friday against the Washington Nationals.
Astros prospect Joey Loperfido continues to mash the baseball at Triple-A, and Jose Abreu struggled again on Sunday, going 0-4. It's just a matter of time before the Astros promote him to the big leagues. Through 14 games, Loperfido is slashing .333/.429/.895/1.324 with 10 home runs. Loperfido was just recently named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week.
The offense is looking good
Overall, the Astros offense is doing its part, they're currently 3rd in team OPS this season. Pitching is the area the Astros need to get corrected. Their team ERA is second-to-last at 5.32.
Up next
The Astros will look to keep things going against the Braves on Monday with Spencer Arrighetti on the mound.
Don't miss the video above as we react to the Astros series win over the Rangers, look ahead at the upcoming series with Atlanta, and much more!
The Astros know how to win these games, and it shows
Jun 29, 2025, 4:28 pm
Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.
Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.
ALTUVE FOR THE LEAD!!!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/1rX89783yx
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.
Starring The Framchise.#BuiltForThis x @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/sNReaztMjl
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.
Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.
Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.
Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.
The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Key Moment
Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.
Key Stat
The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.
Up Next
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).
The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
