Well, this one stings.
It’s late, so I’ll keep the recap relatively short. But this game was one of the most brutal losses I’ve watched in a while. Josh Hader finally looked human for a change, walking four and picking up the loss in the process. On 44 pitches, too. I wouldn’t expect to see him again for a couple of days. A wasted opportunity considering that the Rangers also lost Wednesday.
Honestly, this game further confirms Houston’s lack of depth. Two rookies, Ethan Pecko and Josh Hendrickson, threw 4.2 innings for a team vying for a postseason spot. Tatsuya Imai and Ronel Blanco occupy roster spots, so the bullpen is increasingly limited. Not to mention Steven Okert remains on the IL. The outfield remains a mess. Different day, same story.
Yainer Diaz had a good game at the plate, with a triple and a home run. He drove in three of the Astros five runs. Otherwise, it was a brutal loss. The type of loss that lingers if it keeps a team out of the postseason. Now on to Sacramento to play the A’s for the season’s final four games.
Feature photo from Astros on X
Hader is never effective after having a pause. Let’s hope 44 pitches don’t end the season for Hader.