Plenty of turnover but not a ton of points off of them

Texans inability to capitalize on turnovers keeps game close

Texans inability to capitalize on turnovers keeps game close
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Texans vs Buccaneers

The Texans turned Jameis Winston's first pass of the day into points.

It would be much tougher from that moment on for the Texans to turn the Buccaneers generosity into points.

The call wouldn't stay a pick-six for Justin Reid because of a holding call and that would ultimately take some points off the board for Houston. The Texans offense struggled to get anything going and settled for a field goal.

The Texans would get a sorta-turnover on the ensuing drive.

Again the Texans would come up without points. The Buccaneers would finally get on the board and then the Texans would get in on the turnover action as Duke Johnson coughed it up.

The very next play, Winston struck again.

The Texans wouldn't strike for points though. Three plays later they'd punt to the Buccaneers.

After the fourth Tampa turnover the Texans finally found the end zone.

The fumble would allow the Texans to move the 30 yards and punch it in for the score.

In all, the Buccaneers would turn the ball over four times in the first half. The three turnovers after the pick-six would lead to a field goal after starting on the 24 yard-line, a punt, and a touchdown. The Texans defense wouldn't be able to keep the Buccaneers off the scoreboard letting Tampa turn a Texans turnover into a touchdown before the half ended.

The Texans would win the game, and get a key turnover in the fourth quarter, but the inability to score on the short fields would keep the game close. The offense was horrible in the first half trying time after time to run the ball against a stout rush defense. They averaged just 2.3 yards per carry in the first half.

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Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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