A game is decided by a series of events, but there are usually a handful of moments that you can point to as being the defining factors. Like, I don’t know, a solo home run that was classified as a home run in one of thirty ballparks. The Crawford Boxes giveth and taketh. Such is life for the Astros.
I won’t share the home runs here because I’m petty and don’t want to search for it on X. But, in short, Cal Raleigh’s solo home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference in Sunday’s finale between the Astros and Mariners. And, frankly, I’m not even upset at Bennett Sousa. In every other ballpark, it would’ve been a fly ball and likely caught for an out. Heck, even Randy Arozarena’s solo shot in the first inning was a home run in only two ballparks. I’ve resigned myself over the years to knowing that the Crawford Boxes will occasionally bite the Astros in the rear end upon occasion. It sucks that it occurred in a series against a division rival who remains within range in the standings.
But Hunter Brown is the more immediate concern, because Houston isn’t going far without their ace pitcher.
Since his return from the IL back in June, Brown hasn’t pitched to his typical norms. Entering Sunday’s start against Seattle, the right-hander had a 4.25 ERA and 5.03 FIP in his last 53 innings. Of course, shaking off some rust wasn’t exactly a surprise. Thankfully, his velocity is still there, with his in-game averages aligning closely with his season averages. But it’s been two months since he’s returned and the walks are still a problem. Including his five innings against the Mariners, Brown has now walked 34 in his last 55 innings. For context, he walked 57 in 185.1 innings last season.
These prolonged control issues have already proved consequential and could remain so until Brown figures out a solution. If he doesn’t, well, the already thin Astros’ pitching staff looks even more bare.
It also didn’t help matters that Houston couldn’t score when it mattered most. Other than solo home runs from Jeremy Peña and Nick Allen, the lineup didn’t have many answers for Bryan Woo. Their best chance of possibly winning the game, or at the very least tying, occurred in the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs. Unfortunately, Daulton Varsho would strike out to end the threat, and there went the Astros’ best chance for a comeback.
With the loss, the Astros are now 63-62 and lead the Mariners by four games in the standings. The Rangers also lost, so at least that lead remains at two games. With the Angels and A’s coming to town starting Tuesday for six games, Houston still has a prime opportunity to create some distance in the AL West. But this is a flawed team, so the road likely won’t be easy, regardless of the schedule.
Feature photo from Astros on X
I believe there was an analysis done on this website regarding the Crawford Boxes. They have been a disaster for the Astros. But I know that revenue is more important than victories.
There was!