So, the outcome in this series against the Red Sox was unexpected, at least to me. Following an uneven Opening Series against the Angels, although it concluded on a high note, the Astros were about to face a more talented roster. The first test in a season that is likely to be filled with numerous challenges along the way. I think we can say this team passed, even exceeded expectations.
Of course, any team can sweep another team in a random three-game series. But the Astros, arguably facing the best starting pitcher they’ve seen this season in Garrett Crochet, put an exclamation point on this series. And it is worth noting that Houston’s lineup has been successful in the past against Crochet.
Considering the pitching matchup, it wasn’t a complete surprise to see these two teams go back-and-forth to start, though. Mike Burrows ran into some trouble early, allowing some early traffic and two runs in the first two frames. Thankfully, the lineup was there to pick up the slack, with Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker driving in a run in the bottom half of the first. After two innings, it was a tied 2-2 game, and it would stay that way through the fourth inning.
But the fifth inning was a different story, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez getting on base to help set the stage for Carlos Correa’s first home run of the season, a three-run shot to break the tie into a 5-2 Houston advantage. Also, a mad Alvarez following a hit-by-pitch is a scary Alvarez. Remind me to watch the next time he sees Crochet again.
Following the first two innings, Burrows would eventually settle down, striking out six across five innings. All things considered, one can’t complain. Other than a Christian Vázquez solo home run in the seventh, the game was relatively calm for another couple of innings. AJ Blubaugh continues to look more like a legitimate option in the bullpen, and Bryan King struck out two. Sure, Kai-Wei Teng allowed a solo home run to Wilyer Abreu in the eighth to shorten the lead from 6-2 to 6-3. But, overall, you had to feel good about Houston’s chances with Bryan Abreu coming up…
Roman Anthony then hit a solo home run to lead off the ninth inning. Well, that’s suboptimal.
Thankfully, Abreu pitched with a bit more — how should I put this — of an edge today, immediately striking out Marcelo Meyer, Jarren Duran, and Trevor Story in order. I would prefer not to experience heartburn the next time he makes an appearance, but a win is a win. In any case, the Astros were able to sweep a good Red Sox team and enter the off day on Thursday with a 5-2 record. Considering how the last couple of seasons started, I’ll gladly take this development.
Feature photo from @astros on X, Source Link
