SHOOT FOR THE STARS
Here’s the case for why the Houston Astros are actually better this year
Apr 13, 2023, 1:14 pm
Here’s the case for why the Astros are actually better this year
The Houston Astros are off to their typical start to a season, hovering around .500 about two weeks in.
Why some could be in panic mode based on the mediocre start and the amount of injuries the team is dealing with, the Astros' overall depth continues to be something fans and the organization can hang their hats on.
Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss how Corey Julks, Mauricio Dubon, and Hunter Brown have been a steadying force as the team awaits the returns of Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, and Lance McCullers.
And, in some ways, are outperforming them.
Plus, how much are the Astros really missing George Springer, if Chas McCormick continues to play like this?
And with that in mind, what could all this mean for Kyle Tucker and the enormous contract he's seeking?
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Catch The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekdays from 7-10 AM on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5.
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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.