How 3 unlikely Astros players are doing heavy-lifting for Houston
UNSUNG HEROES
22 May 2023
UNSUNG HEROES
The Houston Astros have won four straight series and they're getting significant contributions from all over the roster.
Three under the radar names that really jump off the page and have been responsible for this recent run include Hunter Brown, Jake Meyers, and Martin Maldonado.
Jake Meyers had reached base in 9 consecutive plate appearances before making an out in the 8th inning.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 21, 2023
Meyers and Maldonado are swinging hot bats and playing their best ball of the season. Maldonado's batting average is finally up to .200 on the year. That may not sound like much, but it's a big deal for Maldy.
Martín Maldonado is hitting .268 (11-for-41) in May and is up to .200 for the season.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 21, 2023
So, despite some struggles from Jose Abreu and Alex Bregman, the team is finding ways to score enough runs and win ballgames.
Plus, we react to the latest injury update for Lance McCullers and project a realistic outlook for his 2023 season.
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The Houston Astros secured a 7-4 victory over the New York Mets, fueled by dominant pitching performances and a late offensive surge.
Hunter Brown set the tone early, delivering a dominant start with four scoreless innings while striking out six. His command and poise on the mound kept the Mets' hitters off balance, showcasing why the Astros have high expectations for the young right-hander.
Josh Hader followed with a scoreless fifth inning, and Bryan Abreu continued the trend with a shutout sixth. Abreu also flashed his athleticism, making a slick play off the mound to throw out a runner at first.
Things took a turn in the seventh when Tayler Scott struggled, allowing three hits and walking the bases loaded with two outs. Donovan Walton capitalized, crushing a high fastball for a grand slam to put the Mets up 4-0. Despite his rocky outing, Scott ended up with the win as Houston mounted a comeback.
Brendan Rodgers helped ignite the rally, slashing a ground-rule double to cut the deficit to 4-2. He later told the Astros’ broadcast team that he has been working to shorten his swing. Jose Altuve then delivered in the clutch, ripping a double down the left-field line to even the score at 4-4. Moments later, Luis Guillorme singled to right, bringing home Altuve and giving the Astros a 5-4 lead.
Houston kept the momentum going in the eighth, tacking on two more runs for insurance. Steven Okert continued his impressive spring, striking out the side in the eighth while keeping his hitless streak intact. Logan VanWey sealed the victory with a scoreless ninth, earning the save.
With another strong team effort, the Astros showed resilience and depth as they continue to prepare for the regular season.
*ChatGPT assisted.