How new wrinkles in Astros playoff aspirations open up opportunities, challenges
STRETCH RUN SOLUTIONS
09 September
Can the Astros take advantage of their schedule easing up?Composite Getty Image.
With 19 games left in the regular season, the Astros sit 4 1/2 games up on the Mariners as they get ready to host the Athletics on Tuesday.
One factor that's stayed consistent for the Astros in recent years, is their ability to step up their game against tough competition, and to play down to lesser teams like the Reds, who swept them last week.
Which is why we're not ready to say the 'Stros have punched their playoff ticket. Missing the postseason however would require a both a surge from the Mariners and a collapse from Houston.
But based on how the Astros have been pitching over the last month (Top 3 in ERA), you have to like their chances to finish strong and secure the division once again.
One of the big news items from the Diamondback series was the return of Kyle Tucker. Tucker didn't do a whole lot in the two games he played in, but having him back does give the Astros lineup a different feel.
With Tucker and Bregman both in the lineup, the Astros have a formidable Top 5. It will be interesting to see how Joe Espada juggles the lineup moving forward, and if he drops Tucker to the five spot in games they are facing a left-handed starter.
Speaking of Tucker and Bregman, we've had countless discussions about whether they will sign extensions with the Astros. In Bregman's case, the new contract Matt Chapman signed with the Giants will likely serve as a measuring stick (6-year, $151 million) for Bregman's next deal.
Don't miss the video above as we preview the playoff push, breakdown Tucker's return, and weigh the pros and cons of signing Bregman to a deal comparable to Chapman's.
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Green and VanVleet score 21 each as Houston Rockets rout San Antonio Spurs
Nov 7, 2024, 11:40 am
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had 21 points each and the Houston Rockets built a huge lead early and coasted to a 127-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.
Houston never trailed and had built a 25-point lead by halftime. The Rockets were up by 27 points when coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench with about 6½ minutes remaining.
Alperen Sengun added 16 points for the Rockets, who won for the fourth time in five games. VanVleet had 10 assists and seven rebounds — both season-highs — to go with his top scoring effort of the season.
Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs, who lost a second straight game. They were playing a third consecutive game without coach Gregg Popovich, who is out indefinitely while recovering from an illness. Mitch Johnson is filling in as interim coach while the 75-year-old Popovich, who did not travel with the team on this road trip, is out.
Takeaways
Spurs: San Antonio’s defense suffered Wednesday in its first game without top on-ball defender Jeremy Sochan, who suffered a fractured left thumb that will require surgery in Monday’s game. Rookie Stephon Castle, who started in his place, will need to step up with Sochan likely out for an extended period.
Rockets: After failing to play consistently for four quarters in the last two games, Houston finally put together a complete game against the Spurs.
Key moment
The Rockets were up by 7 with about five minutes left in the first quarter before using a 7-0 run, with the first five points by VanVleet, to make it 22-8. The Spurs didn’t get closer than 10 points after that.
Key stat
The Rockets dominated inside, outscoring the Spurs 66-46 in the paint.
Up next
San Antonio hosts Portland on Thursday night and the Rockets visit Oklahoma City on Friday night.
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!
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