Texans Player of the Game

Watson dazzles again in loss

Watson dazzles again in loss
Deshaun Watson was magical in the win. Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Not one, two, or even three tacklers could bring down Deshaun Watson as he scrambled and then found rookie tight end Jordan Akins for 22 yards. On third down no less. Then, moments later, Watson perfectly placed a pass to rookie wideout Vyncint Smith for a 35-yard touchdown to tie the game. The extra point would put the Texans ahead but a last-second Eagles field goal would spoil the typical comeback story.

Watson, again, was amazing. He started slow with the Texans failing to find anything on the ground. With the rushing attack struggling the Texans turned to Watson and his shoulders were ready to carry the load.

Both of the Texans first-half touchdowns were via Watson's feet. The first one, a designed run to the left where he side-stepped an Eagles defender and waltzed in for a touchdown. The second score Watson saw nothing to hit with a pass so he took off untouched for another touchdown.

The offensive line struggled mightily. Watson would lead the team in rushing with 49 yards, most of them making something out of nothing when protection broke down. There were far fewer instances of him holding the ball too long as he decided to make use of his legs. He was hit nine times and sacked four times in the game.

He was even more dynamic through the air.

The second half alone saw Watson pass for 234 yards and his two touchdowns. He was the only chance the Texans had and he made play after play to keep the Texans in the game and almost earn them the win.

This is the type of game you dream of when you draft a franchise quarterback and Watson showed he is every bit the part in just his second year.

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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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