Mustangs Making Moves

Westfield quarterback verbally commits to SMU

Westfield quarterback verbally commits to SMU
Gipson received his official offer from SMU on May 14 Vype

Westfield dual-threat quarterback Terrance Gipson has found a place that feels like home - SMU.

The 2019 prospect verbally committed to SMU on Sunday after completing his official visit and is excited to be the next Texas-based prospect to join the Ponies.

"I mean, it helps me bring guys with me to play with, but everything SMU is doing at the moment and is trying to build is special," Gipson said.

Gipson talked about new SMU coach Sonny Dykes, who replaced Chad Morris after he exited for Arkansas, and said he's a fun guy to be around and is honest.

Sonny is of course the son of legendary Texas Tech football coach Spike Dykes.

Gipson received his official offer from SMU on May 14.

Gipson's stock has risen in the last few months. Since March, Gipson has received offers from McNeese State, Virginia, Nebraska, Tulane, Louisiana at Lafayette, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, Hawaii and Florida Atlantic.

Gipson finished 2017 as the District 16-6A leading passer with 1,478 yards, 14 touchdowns and only one interception in nine games.

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The competition level is about to rise. Composite Getty Image.

The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.

But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.

Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.

As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.

Can the bats keep pace?

If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.

As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.

The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.

Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.

Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.

The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.

There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.

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