Major League Baseball: 2023 Season
- Thread starter Blitz24
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I forgot to mention... we have the London Series going on this weekend. It's the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Chicago Cubs. We have a more entertaining series right now though, between the Braves at the Reds.
Enjoy this weekend's action! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing.
Enjoy this weekend's action! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing.
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Elly De La Cruz. That is all. 
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- JMarine25
2017: "Here's a line drive should do it... the Houston Astros are World Champions! For the first time in franchise history!" Then all the cheating controversy happened. The Astros and Dodgers renew their transgressions at the site where the Astros celebrate their first (albeit controversial) World Series Championship. Three games between these former fierce NL rivals. Let's get it!
* HOU Astros at LAD Dodgers - 3 games
[GAME 1] J.P. France saw the Los Angeles Dodgers bomb one to left to go up 1-0 in the Bottom of the 1st. A Sacrifice Fly brought home a Dodger in the Bottom of the 2nd with the bases loaded. Now 2-0 for the Dodgers. The Houston Astros decide to drive two low-line drive bombs to tie the game at 2-2 in the Top of the 4th. Dodgers retook the lead in the Bottom of the 4th on an RBI. The Dodgers went back on top 3-2. That score would remain unchanged as the Dodgers took Game 1 3-2.
[GAME 2] This game was on FOX. The Los Angeles Dodgers got the party started with a solo homer followed by a two-run homer in the Bottom of the 1st. Dodgers go up 3-0 early, figuring three runs is all you need to sink the Astros. Houston, meanwhile, lit their side of the scoreboard with an RBI to make it 3-1, Dodgers in the Top of the 3rd. The Houston Astros hit a mega homer in the Top of the 5th- a GRAND SLAM by Alex Bregman in the Top of the 5th to go ahead 5-3 Astros. An RBI scored later that inning to make the Astros double up the Dodgers at 6-3. A later RBI in the Top of the brought the Astros lead to 7-3. The Dodgers inched closer with a two-run jack to right in the Bottom of the 7th. A sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 8th brought home a Dodger to bring the Astros lead to 7-6. As if the shoddy relief pitching hasn't been a concern already for Houston, it blew up right in their faces on a three-run homer to right to put the Dodgers ahead 9-7... or was it? Upon further review, it was ruled a ground-ruled double, so now the game is tied at 7-7. Ryne Stanek was called for a Balk, and that brought home a Dodger to make it an 8-7 Dodgers lead. It was Stanek's first time called for a Balk. He was FURIOUS about the call. A double play and a flyout ended the Astros' hopes of coming back in the Top of the 9th. Dodgers win 8-7 in Game 2.
[GAME 3] This game was on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball under skies as cloudless blue as the Los Angeles Dodgers' blue color. Meaning... we're likely going to lose on the "Always Hate Houston" network. No José Altuve or Yordan Alvarez in this game for Houston. The Los Angeles Dodgers must love hitting bombs against us in the first inning. They jacked one to left in the Bottom of the 1st to go up 1-0 early. Houston struck back promptly in the Top of the 2nd thanks to a two-run jack to left center by Jeremy Pena. This go-ahead homer puts the Astros up 2-1. José Abreu cashed in a two-run bomb to left-center in the Top of the 4th to extend the Astros lead to 4-1. Freddie Freeman knocked down his 2,000th hit of his career, and it coincidentally brought in a Dodger to cut the Astros lead to 4-2 in the Bottom of the 8th. Relief woes continue for the Astros when they used to be lights out in relief pitching. And what do you know? A two-run homer later, and the Dodgers tie the game at 4-4. So the Dodgers wait until late in the game to try to win it and sweep the Astros. Nine innings wasn't enough; bring on extras. This season so far, HOU is 0-6 in extra innings, and LAD is 3-1 in extras. Houston went ahead 5-4 in the Top of the 10th on an RBI to deep right. A well-hit ball to left ends up being a sacrifice fly for the Dodgers to level the game at 5-5 in the Bottom of the 10th. The Astros banged in an RBI to deep left to make it a 6-5 Astros lead in the Top of the 11th. The Dodgers ran out of late game magic, and they ended up falling to the Houston Astros 6-5. FINALLY an extra innings win for Houston along with avoiding a sweep!
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (3-2; Los Angeles Dodgers)
GM2: (8-7; Los Angeles Dodgers)
GM3: (6-5, 11 innings; Houston)
UP NEXT: at STL Cardinals - 3 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 42-36 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd in the AL West behind Texas. We're ahead by virtue of having one less loss than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (LAA is currently 42-37). We're on the Struggle Bus, but so have the St. Louis Cardinals, our next opponent. It's memories of NL Central play with this next series coming up in St. Louis. The Astros of late have been vulnerable. The Cardinals had the worst record in baseball to now having the 3rd worst record in the National League. One of these two scuffling teams will end their scuffling ways temporarily after this series.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
* HOU Astros at LAD Dodgers - 3 games
[GAME 1] J.P. France saw the Los Angeles Dodgers bomb one to left to go up 1-0 in the Bottom of the 1st. A Sacrifice Fly brought home a Dodger in the Bottom of the 2nd with the bases loaded. Now 2-0 for the Dodgers. The Houston Astros decide to drive two low-line drive bombs to tie the game at 2-2 in the Top of the 4th. Dodgers retook the lead in the Bottom of the 4th on an RBI. The Dodgers went back on top 3-2. That score would remain unchanged as the Dodgers took Game 1 3-2.
[GAME 2] This game was on FOX. The Los Angeles Dodgers got the party started with a solo homer followed by a two-run homer in the Bottom of the 1st. Dodgers go up 3-0 early, figuring three runs is all you need to sink the Astros. Houston, meanwhile, lit their side of the scoreboard with an RBI to make it 3-1, Dodgers in the Top of the 3rd. The Houston Astros hit a mega homer in the Top of the 5th- a GRAND SLAM by Alex Bregman in the Top of the 5th to go ahead 5-3 Astros. An RBI scored later that inning to make the Astros double up the Dodgers at 6-3. A later RBI in the Top of the brought the Astros lead to 7-3. The Dodgers inched closer with a two-run jack to right in the Bottom of the 7th. A sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 8th brought home a Dodger to bring the Astros lead to 7-6. As if the shoddy relief pitching hasn't been a concern already for Houston, it blew up right in their faces on a three-run homer to right to put the Dodgers ahead 9-7... or was it? Upon further review, it was ruled a ground-ruled double, so now the game is tied at 7-7. Ryne Stanek was called for a Balk, and that brought home a Dodger to make it an 8-7 Dodgers lead. It was Stanek's first time called for a Balk. He was FURIOUS about the call. A double play and a flyout ended the Astros' hopes of coming back in the Top of the 9th. Dodgers win 8-7 in Game 2.
[GAME 3] This game was on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball under skies as cloudless blue as the Los Angeles Dodgers' blue color. Meaning... we're likely going to lose on the "Always Hate Houston" network. No José Altuve or Yordan Alvarez in this game for Houston. The Los Angeles Dodgers must love hitting bombs against us in the first inning. They jacked one to left in the Bottom of the 1st to go up 1-0 early. Houston struck back promptly in the Top of the 2nd thanks to a two-run jack to left center by Jeremy Pena. This go-ahead homer puts the Astros up 2-1. José Abreu cashed in a two-run bomb to left-center in the Top of the 4th to extend the Astros lead to 4-1. Freddie Freeman knocked down his 2,000th hit of his career, and it coincidentally brought in a Dodger to cut the Astros lead to 4-2 in the Bottom of the 8th. Relief woes continue for the Astros when they used to be lights out in relief pitching. And what do you know? A two-run homer later, and the Dodgers tie the game at 4-4. So the Dodgers wait until late in the game to try to win it and sweep the Astros. Nine innings wasn't enough; bring on extras. This season so far, HOU is 0-6 in extra innings, and LAD is 3-1 in extras. Houston went ahead 5-4 in the Top of the 10th on an RBI to deep right. A well-hit ball to left ends up being a sacrifice fly for the Dodgers to level the game at 5-5 in the Bottom of the 10th. The Astros banged in an RBI to deep left to make it a 6-5 Astros lead in the Top of the 11th. The Dodgers ran out of late game magic, and they ended up falling to the Houston Astros 6-5. FINALLY an extra innings win for Houston along with avoiding a sweep!
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (3-2; Los Angeles Dodgers)
GM2: (8-7; Los Angeles Dodgers)
GM3: (6-5, 11 innings; Houston)
UP NEXT: at STL Cardinals - 3 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 42-36 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd in the AL West behind Texas. We're ahead by virtue of having one less loss than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (LAA is currently 42-37). We're on the Struggle Bus, but so have the St. Louis Cardinals, our next opponent. It's memories of NL Central play with this next series coming up in St. Louis. The Astros of late have been vulnerable. The Cardinals had the worst record in baseball to now having the 3rd worst record in the National League. One of these two scuffling teams will end their scuffling ways temporarily after this series.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
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Brief rant post coming up...
I was listening to Locked On Astros earlier tonight regarding the Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers game that the Astros won 6-5 in 11 innings. There is a reason why I often call ESPN/ABC the "Always Hate Houston" network. The broadcast had a look at the 2017 World Series and then all of the controversy when they discovered the Astros cheating. Later in the "Locked on Astros" episode, they mentioned ESPN interviewing Alex Bregman asking for his thoughts on LSU losing 24-4 to Florida in Game 2 of the College World Series earlier today.
I get the Astros cheated in 2017. I get Florida run over LSU 24-4 today in the 2023 College World Series. But good grief... ESPN was trash at covering this Astros at Dodgers game and bringing back the controversies of the 2017 World Series and its aftermath. Again- the "Always Hate Houston" network. It's even a reason why people say ESPN stands for "Eastcoast Sports and Propaganda Network," even for a team that is not even on the East Coast (L.A. Dodgers). Geez.
I was listening to Locked On Astros earlier tonight regarding the Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers game that the Astros won 6-5 in 11 innings. There is a reason why I often call ESPN/ABC the "Always Hate Houston" network. The broadcast had a look at the 2017 World Series and then all of the controversy when they discovered the Astros cheating. Later in the "Locked on Astros" episode, they mentioned ESPN interviewing Alex Bregman asking for his thoughts on LSU losing 24-4 to Florida in Game 2 of the College World Series earlier today.
I get the Astros cheated in 2017. I get Florida run over LSU 24-4 today in the 2023 College World Series. But good grief... ESPN was trash at covering this Astros at Dodgers game and bringing back the controversies of the 2017 World Series and its aftermath. Again- the "Always Hate Houston" network. It's even a reason why people say ESPN stands for "Eastcoast Sports and Propaganda Network," even for a team that is not even on the East Coast (L.A. Dodgers). Geez.
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I haven't done a series breakdown on Cincinnati in a while. There's too much to talk about with the exciting team right now. The hitting is so fun to watch. The team is so stacked that any one day, you will see several darn good players on the bench. And when they come up to pinch hit, it seems like they come up with a clutch hit. Fraley, Friedl, de la Cruz, McLain, Steer, Stephenson, Senzel, Votto, Benson, Maile, the grizzled Casali and even Newman are all vying for playing time every game. The only guy that starts every day is the indestructible India. Heck, even guys who were playing semi-well in the Bigs are now sitting down in Triple A Louisville, Fairchild and Ramos among them. Then you've got Christian Encarnacion-Strand who eventually will find his way up to the Queen City before too long.
Anywho...it was inevitable, but the win streak came to an end at 12 when the Reds faced the Braves in game 2 of their series. What an exciting game the opener was, though, to extend that streak to its franchise best since 1957. Only 4 games back from his extended IL stint that went back to last season, Votto went deep twice in game 1. He was overshadowed, however, as one Elly de La Cruz hit for the cycle in only his 15th career game. Cincy had not accomplished the feat since Eric Davis in 1989. The offense as a whole was on fire throughout the game. They were down 5-0 after 1 inning but stormed back to eventually hold the lead at 11-7 through 7. Lucas Sims came in for the 8th and gave up an uncharacteristic 3 home runs. Thankfully, they were all solo shots. The Reds held on for the lead, with Diaz inducing a double play to finish off the 1 run win. Unfortunately, games 2 and 3 were both 7-6 losses.
Game 1: 11-10 Cincinnati
Game 2: 7-6 Atlanta
Game 3: 7-6 Atlanta
Cincinnati got walloped in a rainy game 1 in Baltimore, 10-3. It seemed every time the Reds' pitcher was on the mound, the water was bucketing down, then dry for the O's pitcher. Cincy broke their 3 game skid in game 2 in a pitcher's duel. Unsurprisingly, Abbott was on the mound for the Redlegs and gave up just a single run. The final was 3-1 Reds as they scratched their way back to another come from behind win. Game 3 was most definitely NOT a pitcher's duel. At least early and late in the game. It was 6-4 Cincinnati after only 2 innings. Another run was added in the 8th to make it a 3 run lead, and it turned out to be a very important one. You see, the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles are tied for the most comeback wins in the MLB this season. Sure enough, Baltimore brought 3 runs across the plate in the bottom of the inning, forcing a tie. A scoreless 9th meant extras. Cincinnati tacked on 4 runs in the 10th, the 0's scoreless, and the win was complete.
Game 1: 10-3 Baltimore
Game 2: 3-1 Cincinnati
Game 3: 11-7 Cincinnati
The Redlegs continue to sit atop the NL Central with a 43-38 record, a half game up on the Brew Crew who have 1 less (or fewer?) win. The Buccos continue their slide, now at 38-42. The Cubbies are tied with them, though a different record of 37-41. The lowly Cards still occupy the bottom of the standings, something they haven't experienced in some time. Record? 33-46. I can't remember the last time St. Louis was a full 13 games under .500 this far into a season. Weird season.
Anywho...it was inevitable, but the win streak came to an end at 12 when the Reds faced the Braves in game 2 of their series. What an exciting game the opener was, though, to extend that streak to its franchise best since 1957. Only 4 games back from his extended IL stint that went back to last season, Votto went deep twice in game 1. He was overshadowed, however, as one Elly de La Cruz hit for the cycle in only his 15th career game. Cincy had not accomplished the feat since Eric Davis in 1989. The offense as a whole was on fire throughout the game. They were down 5-0 after 1 inning but stormed back to eventually hold the lead at 11-7 through 7. Lucas Sims came in for the 8th and gave up an uncharacteristic 3 home runs. Thankfully, they were all solo shots. The Reds held on for the lead, with Diaz inducing a double play to finish off the 1 run win. Unfortunately, games 2 and 3 were both 7-6 losses.
Game 1: 11-10 Cincinnati
Game 2: 7-6 Atlanta
Game 3: 7-6 Atlanta
Cincinnati got walloped in a rainy game 1 in Baltimore, 10-3. It seemed every time the Reds' pitcher was on the mound, the water was bucketing down, then dry for the O's pitcher. Cincy broke their 3 game skid in game 2 in a pitcher's duel. Unsurprisingly, Abbott was on the mound for the Redlegs and gave up just a single run. The final was 3-1 Reds as they scratched their way back to another come from behind win. Game 3 was most definitely NOT a pitcher's duel. At least early and late in the game. It was 6-4 Cincinnati after only 2 innings. Another run was added in the 8th to make it a 3 run lead, and it turned out to be a very important one. You see, the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles are tied for the most comeback wins in the MLB this season. Sure enough, Baltimore brought 3 runs across the plate in the bottom of the inning, forcing a tie. A scoreless 9th meant extras. Cincinnati tacked on 4 runs in the 10th, the 0's scoreless, and the win was complete.
Game 1: 10-3 Baltimore
Game 2: 3-1 Cincinnati
Game 3: 11-7 Cincinnati
The Redlegs continue to sit atop the NL Central with a 43-38 record, a half game up on the Brew Crew who have 1 less (or fewer?) win. The Buccos continue their slide, now at 38-42. The Cubbies are tied with them, though a different record of 37-41. The lowly Cards still occupy the bottom of the standings, something they haven't experienced in some time. Record? 33-46. I can't remember the last time St. Louis was a full 13 games under .500 this far into a season. Weird season.
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The Houston Astros took a stroll down memory lane as they return to St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The Astros were once in the NL Central before moving to the AL West. They had some epic clashes with the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, the Astros are in the American League playing Interleague against the ailing St. Louis Cardinals. Let's get this one started!
* HOU Astros at STL Cardinals - 3 games
[GAME 1] Today is Yordan Alvarez's birthday, but he is still nursing an injury. The Houston Astros went up early 1-0 after one inning. Houston jacked a homer in the Top of the 2nd to make it a 2-0 lead. St. Louis, though, hammers an offering from Framber Valdez to get on the board 2-1 in the Bottom of the 3rd. Game 1 was tied 2-2 on a bases loaded sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 4th by the Cardinals. When the Astros thought they tagged a player out at home plate, the call was overturned as St. Louis now have scored four unanswered runs to lead 4-2. The short-handed Cardinals won 4-2 over the ailing Astros.
[GAME 2] It was an early 3-0 start after the Top of the 1st for the Houston Astros. Next inning, the Cardinals took Christian Javier deep with a three-run bomb to tie the game. St. Louis would go ahead on two base knocks. So the Cardinals go up 4-3 with early offense. St. Louis went deep again. This time, Bottom of the 2nd on a solo shot. St. Louis now up 5-3. The 3rd Worst record in the National League is having their way with the defending Champions early. A bases loaded RBI in the Bottom of the 4th led to St. Louis taking a 6-3 lead on Houston. Houston managed to bring in two runs to cut the Cardinals' lead to 6-5 in the Top of the 6th. In the Bottom of the 6th, a solo jack by St. Louis puts the Redbirds up 7-5. José Altuve finally woke up the Astros' offense with a lovely three-run bomb to left in the Top of the 8th. Astros now lead 8-7 on the go-ahead homer. Another José for the Astros went yard later that inning- José Abreu belted a two-run jack to right to make it a 10-7 Astros lead. The 10-7 lead by Houston would hold as they force a Rubber Game Thursday evening.
[GAME 3] Fast forward to the Top of the 5th, and the Astros lead 6-0. "King Tuck" bombs a three-run jack in the Top of the 6th to go up 9-0. Corey Julks banged in an RBI to make it a 10-0 lead in the Top of the 8th. Astros now lead 10-0. It's been a while since the Astros scored 10 or more runs in consecutive games. Alex Bregman hit more than a "Breggy Bomb." It was more like a... Breggy Nuke- a GRAND SLAM to put the Astros up 14-0 in the Top of the 9th. That was the final score- 14-0.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-2; St. Louis)
GM2: (10-7; Houston)
GM3: (14-0; Houston)
UP NEXT: at TEX Rangers - 4 games, starting FRI
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 44-37 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd in the AL West behind Texas by five games. Even if we sweep Texas in our next series, we'll still be 2nd in the AL West. If the Astros get swept, they'll be nine games back and probably 3rd, or even 4th in the AL West. So the Astros can help their cause by winning their next series at the Texas Rangers. Not split, not lose, WIN. This is going a tough test for the Astros as they slowly are coming into form again.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
* HOU Astros at STL Cardinals - 3 games
[GAME 1] Today is Yordan Alvarez's birthday, but he is still nursing an injury. The Houston Astros went up early 1-0 after one inning. Houston jacked a homer in the Top of the 2nd to make it a 2-0 lead. St. Louis, though, hammers an offering from Framber Valdez to get on the board 2-1 in the Bottom of the 3rd. Game 1 was tied 2-2 on a bases loaded sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 4th by the Cardinals. When the Astros thought they tagged a player out at home plate, the call was overturned as St. Louis now have scored four unanswered runs to lead 4-2. The short-handed Cardinals won 4-2 over the ailing Astros.
[GAME 2] It was an early 3-0 start after the Top of the 1st for the Houston Astros. Next inning, the Cardinals took Christian Javier deep with a three-run bomb to tie the game. St. Louis would go ahead on two base knocks. So the Cardinals go up 4-3 with early offense. St. Louis went deep again. This time, Bottom of the 2nd on a solo shot. St. Louis now up 5-3. The 3rd Worst record in the National League is having their way with the defending Champions early. A bases loaded RBI in the Bottom of the 4th led to St. Louis taking a 6-3 lead on Houston. Houston managed to bring in two runs to cut the Cardinals' lead to 6-5 in the Top of the 6th. In the Bottom of the 6th, a solo jack by St. Louis puts the Redbirds up 7-5. José Altuve finally woke up the Astros' offense with a lovely three-run bomb to left in the Top of the 8th. Astros now lead 8-7 on the go-ahead homer. Another José for the Astros went yard later that inning- José Abreu belted a two-run jack to right to make it a 10-7 Astros lead. The 10-7 lead by Houston would hold as they force a Rubber Game Thursday evening.
[GAME 3] Fast forward to the Top of the 5th, and the Astros lead 6-0. "King Tuck" bombs a three-run jack in the Top of the 6th to go up 9-0. Corey Julks banged in an RBI to make it a 10-0 lead in the Top of the 8th. Astros now lead 10-0. It's been a while since the Astros scored 10 or more runs in consecutive games. Alex Bregman hit more than a "Breggy Bomb." It was more like a... Breggy Nuke- a GRAND SLAM to put the Astros up 14-0 in the Top of the 9th. That was the final score- 14-0.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-2; St. Louis)
GM2: (10-7; Houston)
GM3: (14-0; Houston)
UP NEXT: at TEX Rangers - 4 games, starting FRI
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 44-37 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd in the AL West behind Texas by five games. Even if we sweep Texas in our next series, we'll still be 2nd in the AL West. If the Astros get swept, they'll be nine games back and probably 3rd, or even 4th in the AL West. So the Astros can help their cause by winning their next series at the Texas Rangers. Not split, not lose, WIN. This is going a tough test for the Astros as they slowly are coming into form again.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
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- JMarine25
I posted in the wrong thread. Here is where I REALLY meant to give my latest series summary.
A tough time at the Los Angeles Dodgers followed by a winning time at the St. Louis Cardinals now leads to the final leg of this road trip. The Houston Astros pay a visit to their in-state rival for a four-game series. The Battle for the Silver Boot continues in the Lone Star Series!
* HOU Astros at TEX Rangers - 4 games
[GAME 1] When I first checked in, the Astros were leading 5-3 in the Top of the 7th. I heard José Altuve started the party with a leadoff home run to start the game. That would be the final score- 7-5 in favor of Houston, as they defeated the Texas Rangers and their horrid "City Connect" uniforms.
[GAME 2] Scoring first in Game 2 were the Texas Rangers on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 3rd. The Rangers took a 1-0 lead at that point. The Rangers scored two RBIs in the Bottom of the 4th to go up 3-0. Astros must have a new curse going- win Game 1, get beat next game and maybe lose the series. The Astros' Saturday got even longer with a deep RBI leading to another Rangers run. 4-0 now, Rangers in control of the Astros. I stopped watching after that 4th run. Texas ended up winning this one 5-2.
[GAME 3] When I first followed Game 3, it was tied at 1-1 between the Astros and Rangers. Texas struck first while Houston tied it up. Houston took a big lead on a three-run RBI from an almost Grand Slam in the Top of the 8th. The Astros led 4-1 at that point. Horrible pitching by Bryan Abreu led to a two-run bomb for Texas to cut the Astros lead to 4-3. José Altuve bombed a solo jack to very deep left off of the foul pole to go up 5-3. That was the final score as the Astros assured themselves either a sweep or win tomorrow afternoon.
[GAME 4] When I first tuned into this game, it was 10-6, Astros in the Top of the 5th. The Astros scored up to 6-0, with part of that 6-0 came off of a Grand Slam by Kyle Tucker of the Astros. Texas would bring it to 10-2. Now, it's close. Some shoddy pitching and some poor fielding let Texas bring the Astros' lead down to 10-9 in the Bottom of the 5th. The Texas Rangers jacked one to left-center to tie the game at 10-10 in the Bottom of the 7th. What was a comfortable Astros lead is now a tie as the Astros appear gassed against the Rangers late, seeming content to have a series split. The Rangers finally went ahead after all that Astros offense on a sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 8th. It is now nine unanswered Rangers runs as the Texas Rangers go ahead 11-10. José Abreu tied the game on a deep RBI to left in the Top of the 9th. So it's 11-11 now. Chas McCormick smothers the next pitch to re-take the lead 12-11 on a deep RBI to left. This slugfest went in favor of the Astros 12-11.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (5-3; Houston)
GM2: (5-2; Texas)
GM3: (5-3; Houston)
GM4: (12-11; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. COL Rockies - 2 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 47-38 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd behind the team we just won a series against- the Texas Rangers. We'll finally return home for two games against last-place NL West Colorado Rockies followed by a four-game set against the Seattle Mariners. Both of the Rockies games will be afternoon games here in Houston.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
A tough time at the Los Angeles Dodgers followed by a winning time at the St. Louis Cardinals now leads to the final leg of this road trip. The Houston Astros pay a visit to their in-state rival for a four-game series. The Battle for the Silver Boot continues in the Lone Star Series!
* HOU Astros at TEX Rangers - 4 games
[GAME 1] When I first checked in, the Astros were leading 5-3 in the Top of the 7th. I heard José Altuve started the party with a leadoff home run to start the game. That would be the final score- 7-5 in favor of Houston, as they defeated the Texas Rangers and their horrid "City Connect" uniforms.
[GAME 2] Scoring first in Game 2 were the Texas Rangers on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 3rd. The Rangers took a 1-0 lead at that point. The Rangers scored two RBIs in the Bottom of the 4th to go up 3-0. Astros must have a new curse going- win Game 1, get beat next game and maybe lose the series. The Astros' Saturday got even longer with a deep RBI leading to another Rangers run. 4-0 now, Rangers in control of the Astros. I stopped watching after that 4th run. Texas ended up winning this one 5-2.
[GAME 3] When I first followed Game 3, it was tied at 1-1 between the Astros and Rangers. Texas struck first while Houston tied it up. Houston took a big lead on a three-run RBI from an almost Grand Slam in the Top of the 8th. The Astros led 4-1 at that point. Horrible pitching by Bryan Abreu led to a two-run bomb for Texas to cut the Astros lead to 4-3. José Altuve bombed a solo jack to very deep left off of the foul pole to go up 5-3. That was the final score as the Astros assured themselves either a sweep or win tomorrow afternoon.
[GAME 4] When I first tuned into this game, it was 10-6, Astros in the Top of the 5th. The Astros scored up to 6-0, with part of that 6-0 came off of a Grand Slam by Kyle Tucker of the Astros. Texas would bring it to 10-2. Now, it's close. Some shoddy pitching and some poor fielding let Texas bring the Astros' lead down to 10-9 in the Bottom of the 5th. The Texas Rangers jacked one to left-center to tie the game at 10-10 in the Bottom of the 7th. What was a comfortable Astros lead is now a tie as the Astros appear gassed against the Rangers late, seeming content to have a series split. The Rangers finally went ahead after all that Astros offense on a sacrifice fly in the Bottom of the 8th. It is now nine unanswered Rangers runs as the Texas Rangers go ahead 11-10. José Abreu tied the game on a deep RBI to left in the Top of the 9th. So it's 11-11 now. Chas McCormick smothers the next pitch to re-take the lead 12-11 on a deep RBI to left. This slugfest went in favor of the Astros 12-11.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (5-3; Houston)
GM2: (5-2; Texas)
GM3: (5-3; Houston)
GM4: (12-11; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. COL Rockies - 2 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 47-38 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd behind the team we just won a series against- the Texas Rangers. We'll finally return home for two games against last-place NL West Colorado Rockies followed by a four-game set against the Seattle Mariners. Both of the Rockies games will be afternoon games here in Houston.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The Houston Astros returned home after going to three cities playing 10 total games. The Astros started this home stand with a quick two-game series hosting the last-place NL West Colorado Rockies. Houston and Colorado used to be NL foes. Now, it's Interleague with the Astros in the AL West. All-Star Break coming up, but the Astros are ready to PLAY BALL again!
* COL Rockies at HOU Astros - 2 games
[GAME 1] José Altuve was scratched from this game with left oblique discomfort. Grae Kessinger has played only six games this season, so hasn't played for the Astros long enough. He did, however, hit a long one in the Bottom of the 3rd for his first Major League homer. His solo jack to left-center put the Astros up 1-0. A deep RBI to right by M. Dubon led to a score. Astros take a 2-0 lead in the Bottom of the 5th. Make that 3-0 the same inning as The Incredible Julks (Corey Julks) bangs in an RBI base knock. Astros brought in a run on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 7th to increase the Astros lead to 4-0. Corey Julks logged his first four-hit game in his Major League career in this game. Colorado denied an Astros shutout by bombing a solo homer in the Top of the 9th off of Ryne Stanek. Now a 4-1 Astros lead. Colorado could do no further damage as the Astros won this one 4-1.
[GAME 2] The Houston Astros lit the scoreboard first thanks to a solo jack by Yanier Diaz in the Bottom of the 2nd. It's 1-0 at that point. Oops- he did it again! Yanier Diaz went yard again in the Bottom of the 4th, but a two-run jack this time to left. The same inning saw Jeremy Peña hit a two-run bomb of his own to right to put the Astros up 5-0. Colorado decided to get serious now. They got themselves some RBIs in the Top of the 5th to bring the Astros' lead of 5-0 to 5-2. C.J. Cron hit a solo shot to left in the Top of the 6th. Now the Rockies brought the score to 5-3. Colorado not going out quiet on this Wednesday afternoon. Now four unanswered runs by Colorado as another solo homer was hit by Colorado. Astros went from leading 5-0 to 5-4. The Astros finally broke up Colorado's comeback with an RBI in the Bottom of the 7th. So it's 6-4, Astros now. That was the final score as the Astros sweep this two-game set- 6-4.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-1; Houston)
GM2: (6-4; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. SEA Mariners - 4 games, starting THU
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 49-38 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd behind the Texas Rangers. And in case you're wondering, we currently are 2nd in the AL Wild Card rankings, tied with Baltimore for the most wins on the season by AL Wild Card contenders. Up next is our final series before the All-Star Break. We're hosting the Seattle Mariners (currently 4th in the AL West with a 42-42 record) for a four-game set. We have a little cushion in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels at 45-43 and 3rd in the AL West. This is going to be about finishing this part of the season strong before the All-Star Break and before we go to the Angels next weekend after the All-Star Break.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
* COL Rockies at HOU Astros - 2 games
[GAME 1] José Altuve was scratched from this game with left oblique discomfort. Grae Kessinger has played only six games this season, so hasn't played for the Astros long enough. He did, however, hit a long one in the Bottom of the 3rd for his first Major League homer. His solo jack to left-center put the Astros up 1-0. A deep RBI to right by M. Dubon led to a score. Astros take a 2-0 lead in the Bottom of the 5th. Make that 3-0 the same inning as The Incredible Julks (Corey Julks) bangs in an RBI base knock. Astros brought in a run on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 7th to increase the Astros lead to 4-0. Corey Julks logged his first four-hit game in his Major League career in this game. Colorado denied an Astros shutout by bombing a solo homer in the Top of the 9th off of Ryne Stanek. Now a 4-1 Astros lead. Colorado could do no further damage as the Astros won this one 4-1.
[GAME 2] The Houston Astros lit the scoreboard first thanks to a solo jack by Yanier Diaz in the Bottom of the 2nd. It's 1-0 at that point. Oops- he did it again! Yanier Diaz went yard again in the Bottom of the 4th, but a two-run jack this time to left. The same inning saw Jeremy Peña hit a two-run bomb of his own to right to put the Astros up 5-0. Colorado decided to get serious now. They got themselves some RBIs in the Top of the 5th to bring the Astros' lead of 5-0 to 5-2. C.J. Cron hit a solo shot to left in the Top of the 6th. Now the Rockies brought the score to 5-3. Colorado not going out quiet on this Wednesday afternoon. Now four unanswered runs by Colorado as another solo homer was hit by Colorado. Astros went from leading 5-0 to 5-4. The Astros finally broke up Colorado's comeback with an RBI in the Bottom of the 7th. So it's 6-4, Astros now. That was the final score as the Astros sweep this two-game set- 6-4.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-1; Houston)
GM2: (6-4; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. SEA Mariners - 4 games, starting THU
The 2023 Houston Astros now are 49-38 on the 2023 season, currently 2nd behind the Texas Rangers. And in case you're wondering, we currently are 2nd in the AL Wild Card rankings, tied with Baltimore for the most wins on the season by AL Wild Card contenders. Up next is our final series before the All-Star Break. We're hosting the Seattle Mariners (currently 4th in the AL West with a 42-42 record) for a four-game set. We have a little cushion in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels at 45-43 and 3rd in the AL West. This is going to be about finishing this part of the season strong before the All-Star Break and before we go to the Angels next weekend after the All-Star Break.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
Did any of you see the finish from last night between St. Louis at Miami? The Cardinals were leading 9-8 in the Bottom of the 9th. With two on and one out, the Miami Marlins hit a ground ball to 3rd base that was air mailed over 1st base. It was deep enough to bring one Marlin home... and then the walk-off RBI to win. Even when my Astros used to be in the National League Central, it's sad the stumbles the 11-time champions have faced so far this season. Then too, the NL Central is pretty weird in 2023.
Or, you can see for yourself here:
St. Louis has now lost three straight games and in danger of getting swept by the Marlins in their four-game set in Miami. The Redbirds are 35-51- the worst record in the NL Central, 3rd worst in the NL, and 5th worst record overall.
Or, you can see for yourself here:
St. Louis has now lost three straight games and in danger of getting swept by the Marlins in their four-game set in Miami. The Redbirds are 35-51- the worst record in the NL Central, 3rd worst in the NL, and 5th worst record overall.
- 4,271
- Indiana
- DolphDrago
7 games played by the Redlegs since my last post with 6 of those resulting in W's.
The series against the Padres was pretty exciting. Cincy took the opener, but it it wasn't without its drama. There was no scoring in the first 5 innings, though that would change quite a bit by the time the game ended. The teams traded runs in the 6th before the Reds grabbed the lead an inning later with a Stephenson dinger. The score held the same going to the 9th. The Reds' lone All Star representative, Alexis Diaz, was handed his first blown save of the season off a sac fly. No answer in the bottom of 9. Extra innings incoming. San Diego put 2 on the board in the 10th. Cincy was going to need another comeback to win this one. No problem. McLain delivered a 2 out, 2 run blast to center to tie it up. To the 11th! The Padres added another run to grab the lead. Could the Reds come back yet again? De la Cruz started the inning with an RBI double to tie the game, and he found himself on 3rd with a sac bunt and 1 out. The win felt imminent. De la Cruz dashed for home on a grounder hit by the next batter. While he easily beat the throw home, the catcher's foot was blocking the plate, and Elly never got his hand on it. The call was 'out', challenged, upheld, and now 2 outs. Rats! But no matter, this is the 2023 Reds. The next man up was Steer, and all he did was smack the ball the façade in the left field upper deck. Reds win by 2.
I honestly don't remember much about game 2 other than the fact the Cincinnati got beat around. India did hit a grand salami.
The Reds came out on top in the rubber game. Steer gave the team a pair of runs in the 3rd with a long bomb. San Diego tied it atop the 8th with a pair of solo shots themselves with 2 outs. Cincinnati answered with some two out magic. Fairchild drew a walk coming off the bench, and Stephenson followed it up with, you guessed it, a homer. Diaz came in and closed it out giving up 1 run in the process. I almost forgot to mention, Andrew Abbott did his usual thing. 7.2 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER (a solo shot), 1 BB, 12 K's. In 6 career starts, the man has given up all of 5 runs in 37.1 innings, good for a 1.21 ERA. 42 strikeouts are nothing to sneeze at, either. Another Red with a legitimate shot at ROY given his pace.
Game 1: 7-5 Reds
Game 2: 12-5 Padres
Game 3: 4-3 Reds
A 4 game set in DC was up next. In fact, it was an Independence Day series in the nation's capital. It would be fitting for them to win, but Cincinnati had other thoughts. Washington doesn't have a good record, but they had been hot as of late. Not much to note in game 1. Votto hit a 2 run bomb, and the Reds held a 1 run lead in the 9th. Corey Dickerson hit a one out single before being replaced by pinch runner Stone Garrett. He attempted to steal 2nd but was thrown out by a perfect throw by Maile. So much for that. With the winds taken out of the sails, Abrams grounded out to end the game.
Cincy piled it on to the tune of 16 hits in game 2. Senzel went deep once, India twice. With so many close games, this one was a rare blowout.
Ditto game 3. Another 16 hits. Another blowout, even more so than the previous. Votto and de la Cruz played long ball. Ashcraft had another gem of a pitching performance since coming back from injuries.
The series finale took place today. I didn't get to see it as it was a day game, but it appears it was another one of those close games the Redlegs like to play. And another comeback win in 10 innings. Senzel made a game saving catch against the wall in the 9th with a runner on 2nd. He then proceeded hit a no doubter in the 10th to give Cincy a 2 run lead. Washington drew to within 1 but would ultimately fail. The Red Stockings finished off their sweep.
Game 1: 3-2 Reds
Game 2: 8-4 Reds
Game 3: 9-2 Reds
Game 4: 5-4 Reds
Would you believe the Cincinnati Reds are now 10 games over .500? Well, here they sit 3 games before the All Star break at 49-39 and riding a 5 game winning streak. They currently lead the Brewers by 2 games. The rest of the NL Central is laboring, making it ripe for picking by the top two teams in the division.
The series against the Padres was pretty exciting. Cincy took the opener, but it it wasn't without its drama. There was no scoring in the first 5 innings, though that would change quite a bit by the time the game ended. The teams traded runs in the 6th before the Reds grabbed the lead an inning later with a Stephenson dinger. The score held the same going to the 9th. The Reds' lone All Star representative, Alexis Diaz, was handed his first blown save of the season off a sac fly. No answer in the bottom of 9. Extra innings incoming. San Diego put 2 on the board in the 10th. Cincy was going to need another comeback to win this one. No problem. McLain delivered a 2 out, 2 run blast to center to tie it up. To the 11th! The Padres added another run to grab the lead. Could the Reds come back yet again? De la Cruz started the inning with an RBI double to tie the game, and he found himself on 3rd with a sac bunt and 1 out. The win felt imminent. De la Cruz dashed for home on a grounder hit by the next batter. While he easily beat the throw home, the catcher's foot was blocking the plate, and Elly never got his hand on it. The call was 'out', challenged, upheld, and now 2 outs. Rats! But no matter, this is the 2023 Reds. The next man up was Steer, and all he did was smack the ball the façade in the left field upper deck. Reds win by 2.
I honestly don't remember much about game 2 other than the fact the Cincinnati got beat around. India did hit a grand salami.
The Reds came out on top in the rubber game. Steer gave the team a pair of runs in the 3rd with a long bomb. San Diego tied it atop the 8th with a pair of solo shots themselves with 2 outs. Cincinnati answered with some two out magic. Fairchild drew a walk coming off the bench, and Stephenson followed it up with, you guessed it, a homer. Diaz came in and closed it out giving up 1 run in the process. I almost forgot to mention, Andrew Abbott did his usual thing. 7.2 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER (a solo shot), 1 BB, 12 K's. In 6 career starts, the man has given up all of 5 runs in 37.1 innings, good for a 1.21 ERA. 42 strikeouts are nothing to sneeze at, either. Another Red with a legitimate shot at ROY given his pace.
Game 1: 7-5 Reds
Game 2: 12-5 Padres
Game 3: 4-3 Reds
A 4 game set in DC was up next. In fact, it was an Independence Day series in the nation's capital. It would be fitting for them to win, but Cincinnati had other thoughts. Washington doesn't have a good record, but they had been hot as of late. Not much to note in game 1. Votto hit a 2 run bomb, and the Reds held a 1 run lead in the 9th. Corey Dickerson hit a one out single before being replaced by pinch runner Stone Garrett. He attempted to steal 2nd but was thrown out by a perfect throw by Maile. So much for that. With the winds taken out of the sails, Abrams grounded out to end the game.
Cincy piled it on to the tune of 16 hits in game 2. Senzel went deep once, India twice. With so many close games, this one was a rare blowout.
Ditto game 3. Another 16 hits. Another blowout, even more so than the previous. Votto and de la Cruz played long ball. Ashcraft had another gem of a pitching performance since coming back from injuries.
The series finale took place today. I didn't get to see it as it was a day game, but it appears it was another one of those close games the Redlegs like to play. And another comeback win in 10 innings. Senzel made a game saving catch against the wall in the 9th with a runner on 2nd. He then proceeded hit a no doubter in the 10th to give Cincy a 2 run lead. Washington drew to within 1 but would ultimately fail. The Red Stockings finished off their sweep.
Game 1: 3-2 Reds
Game 2: 8-4 Reds
Game 3: 9-2 Reds
Game 4: 5-4 Reds
Would you believe the Cincinnati Reds are now 10 games over .500? Well, here they sit 3 games before the All Star break at 49-39 and riding a 5 game winning streak. They currently lead the Brewers by 2 games. The rest of the NL Central is laboring, making it ripe for picking by the top two teams in the division.
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- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
Congratulations to @Joey D 's Detroit Tigers for throwing a combined no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tigers got a 2-0 win earlier today. It is the 9th no-hitter in team history, the 1st-ever no-hitter in team history, and the 20th ever combined no-hitter in Major League Baseball history.
I'll have my series summary of Seattle at Houston when it concludes.
I'll have my series summary of Seattle at Houston when it concludes.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The final series before the 2023 All-Star Break is with AL West foes Seattle and Houston going at it. Emerald City meets Space City. Let's get it.
* SEA Mariners at HOU Astros - 4 games
[GAME 1] The dangerous Seattle Mariners proved their danger early in the Top of the 2nd with a two-run bomb to left off the bat of Eugenio Suarez. 2-0 early for the Seattle boys. Ronel Blanco got taken deep again in the Top of the 3rd thanks to a solo homer by J.P. Crawford. Seattle up 3-0 now. No scoring would happen again until the Top of the 7th when Seattle scored on an RBI to make it a 4-0 advantage. Astros stumbling like mad in this new series since the winning series at the Cardinals, at the Rangers, and the home sweep against the Rockies. The Astros lit their side of the scoreboard on an RBI in the Bottom of the 7th. I then stopped watching when Seattle scored a homer in the Top of the 9th to go up 5-1. Seattle takes Game 1 of this series by the score of 5-1.
[GAME 2] What happened? I tuned into this game, and it was 9-1, Seattle in the Top of the 6th. Houston right now scoring a grand total of two runs in this series while Seattle pounded in 14 runs so far in this series. I stopped watching after almost base hits and almost home runs. This was a simple, back alley, gangsta' beatdown by Seattle... in our house. Yay. Seattle wins this one 10-1.
[GAME 3] This game was televised on FOX. Houston banged in a few RBIs to go up 2-0 in the Bottom of the 1st. They scored as many runs in this inning as they scored all series so far. Seattle scored in the Top of the 3rd on an RBI single to cut the Astros' lead to 2-1. Seattle would tie the game at 2-2 with an RBI single in the Top of the 4th. The Astros amazingly got out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the Top of the 8th allowing no runs. After that stunning escape, Martin Maldonaldo drilled a solo bomb to left that put the Astros up 3-2 in the Bottom of the 8th. They put up more total runs in this game than they have in this entire series. The Houston Astros ended up picking up their golden (50th) win of the season with a 3-2 victory.
[GAME 4] The only time I followed this game, it was a 3-1 lead for the Seattle Mariners heading into the Bottom of the 9th. Houston couldn't try to tie or lead, so Seattle takes the series win over the Houston Astros. It's a terrible shame for a team whom we always seemed to have their number at home.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (5-1; Seattle)
GM2: (10-1; Seattle)
GM3: (3-2; Houston)
GM4: (3-1; Seattle)
UP NEXT: 2023 MLB All-Star Break! Afterwards, at LAA Angels - 3 games, starting FRI
The 2023 Houston Astros will enter the All-Star Break at 50-41, still 2nd in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers by 2 and ahead of 3rd Place Seattle by 6 games. We will also enter the All-Star Break currently at 3rd in the AL Wild Card rankings, tied with Toronto, but I think Toronto has the tie breaker. Our next series after the All-Star Break will be at the Angels next weekend starting on Friday.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
* SEA Mariners at HOU Astros - 4 games
[GAME 1] The dangerous Seattle Mariners proved their danger early in the Top of the 2nd with a two-run bomb to left off the bat of Eugenio Suarez. 2-0 early for the Seattle boys. Ronel Blanco got taken deep again in the Top of the 3rd thanks to a solo homer by J.P. Crawford. Seattle up 3-0 now. No scoring would happen again until the Top of the 7th when Seattle scored on an RBI to make it a 4-0 advantage. Astros stumbling like mad in this new series since the winning series at the Cardinals, at the Rangers, and the home sweep against the Rockies. The Astros lit their side of the scoreboard on an RBI in the Bottom of the 7th. I then stopped watching when Seattle scored a homer in the Top of the 9th to go up 5-1. Seattle takes Game 1 of this series by the score of 5-1.
[GAME 2] What happened? I tuned into this game, and it was 9-1, Seattle in the Top of the 6th. Houston right now scoring a grand total of two runs in this series while Seattle pounded in 14 runs so far in this series. I stopped watching after almost base hits and almost home runs. This was a simple, back alley, gangsta' beatdown by Seattle... in our house. Yay. Seattle wins this one 10-1.
[GAME 3] This game was televised on FOX. Houston banged in a few RBIs to go up 2-0 in the Bottom of the 1st. They scored as many runs in this inning as they scored all series so far. Seattle scored in the Top of the 3rd on an RBI single to cut the Astros' lead to 2-1. Seattle would tie the game at 2-2 with an RBI single in the Top of the 4th. The Astros amazingly got out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the Top of the 8th allowing no runs. After that stunning escape, Martin Maldonaldo drilled a solo bomb to left that put the Astros up 3-2 in the Bottom of the 8th. They put up more total runs in this game than they have in this entire series. The Houston Astros ended up picking up their golden (50th) win of the season with a 3-2 victory.
[GAME 4] The only time I followed this game, it was a 3-1 lead for the Seattle Mariners heading into the Bottom of the 9th. Houston couldn't try to tie or lead, so Seattle takes the series win over the Houston Astros. It's a terrible shame for a team whom we always seemed to have their number at home.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (5-1; Seattle)
GM2: (10-1; Seattle)
GM3: (3-2; Houston)
GM4: (3-1; Seattle)
UP NEXT: 2023 MLB All-Star Break! Afterwards, at LAA Angels - 3 games, starting FRI
The 2023 Houston Astros will enter the All-Star Break at 50-41, still 2nd in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers by 2 and ahead of 3rd Place Seattle by 6 games. We will also enter the All-Star Break currently at 3rd in the AL Wild Card rankings, tied with Toronto, but I think Toronto has the tie breaker. Our next series after the All-Star Break will be at the Angels next weekend starting on Friday.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
- 4,271
- Indiana
- DolphDrago
Cincinnati faced their current NL Central rival in Milwaukee for their final set before the All-Star break. Unfortunately it wouldn't go as well as hoped for the team from the Queen City.
Abbott got knocked around for the first time this year, giving up more runs in the opener than his first 6 starts combined. Votto drove in all of the Reds' runs with a home run and double. To quote one Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got to say about that."
Game 2 was another one of those barn burners Cincy tends to find itself in. They came back from deficits of 1-0, 4-1, and 5-4. Benson played long ball and added a triple. Votto went deep yet again. And Cincinnati set a franchise record for consecutive games with a home run at 22. This, a team that was at or near the bottom of the entire MLB in that category before the streak. But the real story was Elly de la Cruz...again. With the game tied with 2 outs in the 7th, he hit a go ahead single to put the Redlegs up by one. Then in the span of two pitches, he stole 2nd base, 3rd base, and finally home when he caught the pitcher napping. This guy is nuts. The Brewers were done scoring, though India added a sac fly just in the 9th just in case. The win guaranteed the Reds would hold the NL Central lead, and 50 wins, before the break.
A pitchers' duel was in order for the final game today. Annoyingly, former Red Jesse Winker drove in the first, and what would turn out to be the only run of the game for either squad with 2 outs in the 1st inning. Neither team could do much beyond that. Cincinnati's offense was stifled, managing a meager 4 hits. Home run streak ends. Consecutive road series wins ends at 7.
Game 1: 7-3 Brewers
Game 2: 8-5 Reds
Game 3: 1-0 Brewers
Like @JohnBM01's Astros, the Reds sport a 50-41 record at the break. Despite the series loss, they still find themselves one game up on the Brew Crew. The two teams meet again immediately after the break for 3 games starting Friday. I'm hopeful the time off will allow Cincinnati to recharge and begin the rest of the season on a winning note again.
Abbott got knocked around for the first time this year, giving up more runs in the opener than his first 6 starts combined. Votto drove in all of the Reds' runs with a home run and double. To quote one Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got to say about that."
Game 2 was another one of those barn burners Cincy tends to find itself in. They came back from deficits of 1-0, 4-1, and 5-4. Benson played long ball and added a triple. Votto went deep yet again. And Cincinnati set a franchise record for consecutive games with a home run at 22. This, a team that was at or near the bottom of the entire MLB in that category before the streak. But the real story was Elly de la Cruz...again. With the game tied with 2 outs in the 7th, he hit a go ahead single to put the Redlegs up by one. Then in the span of two pitches, he stole 2nd base, 3rd base, and finally home when he caught the pitcher napping. This guy is nuts. The Brewers were done scoring, though India added a sac fly just in the 9th just in case. The win guaranteed the Reds would hold the NL Central lead, and 50 wins, before the break.
A pitchers' duel was in order for the final game today. Annoyingly, former Red Jesse Winker drove in the first, and what would turn out to be the only run of the game for either squad with 2 outs in the 1st inning. Neither team could do much beyond that. Cincinnati's offense was stifled, managing a meager 4 hits. Home run streak ends. Consecutive road series wins ends at 7.
Game 1: 7-3 Brewers
Game 2: 8-5 Reds
Game 3: 1-0 Brewers
Like @JohnBM01's Astros, the Reds sport a 50-41 record at the break. Despite the series loss, they still find themselves one game up on the Brew Crew. The two teams meet again immediately after the break for 3 games starting Friday. I'm hopeful the time off will allow Cincinnati to recharge and begin the rest of the season on a winning note again.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
@Dolph Drago , I saw parts of that Reds at Brewers game on Saturday. Let me tell you something- you got somebody special in Elly de la Cruz. I often wonder if "Elly" is short for "Electric," because that's how awesome this guy is. He can be a big part in the Reds making a postseason run. Maybe even a deep one at that. It's the modern "Big Red Machine" doing work.
- 4,271
- Indiana
- DolphDrago
One of the announcers yesterday said he has the enthusiasm (or something to that effect) of Brandon Phillips, the speed of Billy Hamilton, and the power of Adam Dunn. And he (so far) is hitting for average, too. The guy has stolen 2nd, 3rd, and home during one at-bat, his first home run landed in the top row of the stands, and he has hit for the cycle. And he's only been in the bigs for a month. Insane.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
Tonight from Seattle, Washington, USA;it's the MLB All-Star Game. Time to see which league has the better stars- the American League or the National League? Don't just say which is better- PROVE IT. Enjoy the All-Star Game if you'll be watching!
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The National League finally figured out how to beat the American League in the All-Star Game. It was 3-2 as the National League defeated the mostly Texas Ranger-happy American League in Seattle. It's been about nine or ten years since the National League last won the MLB All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game has concluded. When the Boys of Summer resume their season, these records will be what to watch for in determining who will be playing for the Commissioners Cup. Find your favorite team(s) here:
(source: ESPN)
--- AL Standings Update (as of: after All-Star Game) ---
AL EAST: Tampa Bay (58-35), BAL (54-35), TOR (50-41), NYY (49-42), BOS (48-43)
AL CENTRAL: Cleveland (45-45), MIN (45-56), DET (39-50), CHW (38-54), KC (26-65)
AL WEST: Texas (52-39), HOU (50-41), SEA (45-44), LAA (45-46), OAK (25-67)
CURRENT AL WILD CARD: Baltimore (54-35) and TOR (50-41, owns tie-breaker over Houston, also at 50-41)
--- NL Standings Update (as of: after All-Star Game) ---
NL EAST: Atlanta (60-29), MIA (53-39), PHI (48-41), NYM (42-48), WAS (36-54)
NL CENTRAL: Cincinnati (50-41), MIL (49-42), CHC (42-47), PIT (41-49), STL (38-52)
NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers (51-38), ARI (52-39), SF (49-41), SD (43-47), COR (34-57)
CURRENT NL WILD CARD: Miami (53-39) and Arizona (52-39)
--- OTHER OBSERVATIONS ---
BEST WIN PERCENTAGE: Miami (.674)
WORST WIN PERCENTAGE: Oakland (.272)
BEST HOME: Tampa Bay (35-15)
BEST AWAY: Atlanta (30-14)
WORST HOME: Oakland (12-32)
WORST AWAY: Oakland (13-35)
CURRENT LONGEST WINNING STREAK: Baltimore and Boston (5 straight wins each)
CURRENT LONGEST LOSING STREAK: Los Angeles Angels (5 straight losses)
CURRENT BEST 10-GAME STRETCH: Atlanta and Boston (8-2 each)
CURRENT WORST 10-GAME STRETCH: Los Angeles Angels (1-9)
GTPlanet, there is still a lot of season left. Teams at the top aren't assured entry into the postseason. Not every current losing team is out. Teams in the middle still have a chance to make their move towards playing in the postseason. No team has been mathematically eliminated from the postseason yet. There is a lot to play for. So keep cheering on your favorite team(s)!
Enjoy the rest of the 2023 Major League Baseball season!
The All-Star Game has concluded. When the Boys of Summer resume their season, these records will be what to watch for in determining who will be playing for the Commissioners Cup. Find your favorite team(s) here:
(source: ESPN)
--- AL Standings Update (as of: after All-Star Game) ---
AL EAST: Tampa Bay (58-35), BAL (54-35), TOR (50-41), NYY (49-42), BOS (48-43)
AL CENTRAL: Cleveland (45-45), MIN (45-56), DET (39-50), CHW (38-54), KC (26-65)
AL WEST: Texas (52-39), HOU (50-41), SEA (45-44), LAA (45-46), OAK (25-67)
CURRENT AL WILD CARD: Baltimore (54-35) and TOR (50-41, owns tie-breaker over Houston, also at 50-41)
--- NL Standings Update (as of: after All-Star Game) ---
NL EAST: Atlanta (60-29), MIA (53-39), PHI (48-41), NYM (42-48), WAS (36-54)
NL CENTRAL: Cincinnati (50-41), MIL (49-42), CHC (42-47), PIT (41-49), STL (38-52)
NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers (51-38), ARI (52-39), SF (49-41), SD (43-47), COR (34-57)
CURRENT NL WILD CARD: Miami (53-39) and Arizona (52-39)
--- OTHER OBSERVATIONS ---
BEST WIN PERCENTAGE: Miami (.674)
WORST WIN PERCENTAGE: Oakland (.272)
BEST HOME: Tampa Bay (35-15)
BEST AWAY: Atlanta (30-14)
WORST HOME: Oakland (12-32)
WORST AWAY: Oakland (13-35)
CURRENT LONGEST WINNING STREAK: Baltimore and Boston (5 straight wins each)
CURRENT LONGEST LOSING STREAK: Los Angeles Angels (5 straight losses)
CURRENT BEST 10-GAME STRETCH: Atlanta and Boston (8-2 each)
CURRENT WORST 10-GAME STRETCH: Los Angeles Angels (1-9)
GTPlanet, there is still a lot of season left. Teams at the top aren't assured entry into the postseason. Not every current losing team is out. Teams in the middle still have a chance to make their move towards playing in the postseason. No team has been mathematically eliminated from the postseason yet. There is a lot to play for. So keep cheering on your favorite team(s)!
Enjoy the rest of the 2023 Major League Baseball season!
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The 2023 Houston Astros are 50-41 on the season heading into the All-Star Break. They are 2nd in the AL West and currently on the wrong end of the AL Wild Card race. The Astros' quest to make "Ready 2 Reign" a reality continues. Standing in their way right now are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Let's do a three-game weekend series in Anaheim to resume the season!
* HOU Astros at LAA Angels - 3 games
[GAME 1] Shohei Ohtani will be the first pitcher to oppose Houston as the season resumes. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were the first to score with a couple of RBIs in the Bottom of the 2nd to go up 2-0. The Astros lit up their side of the scoreboard in the Top of the 4th with a couple of RBIs with the bases loaded. We're now tied at 2-2. Astros went ahead in the Top of the 5th on a couple of RBIs. The Angels tied things up again in the Bottom of the 5th. Astros re-took the lead scoring two on a somewhat deep RBI followed by another RBI in the Top of the 6th. Astros led 7-4 at that point. The Angels bombed one to deep left off of Hector Neris to cut the Astros lead to 7-5 in the Bottom of the 7th. Still it wasn't enough for the Halos, as the Astros won Game 1 by 7-5.
[GAME 2] The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim took a 2-0 lead on a very deep RBI in the Bottom of the 2nd... or was it? It was later ruled a three-run homer. So make that 3-0, Angels. The Astros responded proper with a couple of RBIs in the Top of the 3rd to cut the Angels' lead to 3-2. The Astros would take the lead by scoring two more RBIs in the Top of the 4th. Then, the bottom fell out for the Angels in the Top of the 7th. An RBI by Houston made it a 5-3 Astros' lead in the Top of the 7th. The Angels robbed the Astros of a three-run homer, instead settling for a sacrifice fly to make it 6-3. Kyle Tucker missed a three-run jack, but José Abreu didn't. It was a 9-3 Astros lead now- nine unanswered runs! The Angels finally scored again in the Bottom of the 7th on a two-run bomb. The Astros lead is now 9-5. Framber Valdez had to leave the game with some sort of discomfort or injury after the two-run homer. The Angels' rally continued on a deep RBI in that same inning to cut the Astros' lead down to 9-6. Now the Angels tied the game at 9-9 thanks to a three-run homer in the Bottom of the 7th. It's looking more like when the Astros were leading at the Rangers big until they rallied. The Astros re-took the lead on a two-run jack in the Top of the 8th. Two Astros' runs scored to make it an 11-9 Astros lead in this slugfest. The Astros added another run in the Top of the 9th on an RBI to lead 12-9. Shohei Ohtani hit a solo bomb in the Bottom of the 9th to cut the Astros lead to 12-10. A wild pitch with the bases loaded and nobody out led to the Angels trimming the Astros lead to 12-11. Then an RBI with one out the same inning tied the game at 12-12. This game had to be decided in extra innings. Angels had an answer to almost anything the Astros dished out. What should have been a double play to force the 11th inning ends up in an out followed by an error leading to a walk-off win. The baseball dieties were not the Astros side tonight. Rubber Game tomorrow after this cruel fate for Houston.
[GAME 3] Give us baseball. This series finale was on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. After last night's epic fail, the Houston Astros wasted no time getting on the board first. A timely RBI lead to a 1-0 lead for Houston in the Top of the 1st. The Angels tied things up at 1-1 in the Bottom of the 2nd thanks to The Moose (Mike Moustakas) banging a solo homer. Two runs were batted in the Bottom of the 4th as an RBI dribbling down the left field line brought in two runs to make it a 3-1 Angels lead. The Astros took the Angels deep on back-to-back jacks, both of the solo variety in the Top of the 7th. We're tied at 3-3 now. This series is nuts! The Angels broke up the deadlock on an RBI in the Bottom of 7th. So the Angels are back up by 4-3 now after their go-ahead RBI. Rafael Montero got rocked on a two-out, bases loaded hit that brought home three Angels. Angels went up 7-4, and I stopped watching afterwards. This game ended 9-8 in favor of... the Houston Astros! I was shocked we came back to win this one. A few runs in the Top of the 8th along with some clutch offense in the Top of the 9th helped the Astros get the win. All the Angels could do was a solo homer by Shohei Ohtani, but it wasn't enough for the Halos.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (7-5; Houston)
GM2: (13-12, 10 innings; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
GM3: (9-8; Houston)
UP NEXT: at COL Rockies - 2 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros will leave Anaheim with a 52-42 record, still 2nd in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers. We are on the outside of the top 2 of the AL Wild Card behind Baltimore and Toronto. Up next the continuation of our last(?) three-game road trip of the season. It includes a trip to the Mile High City to have a quick series with the Colorado Rockies. After that brief series, it is at the Oakland Athletics for four starting on Thursday. Injuries are still a concern for the Astros and have been all season long. Hopefully the Astros can navigate through all of this.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
* HOU Astros at LAA Angels - 3 games
[GAME 1] Shohei Ohtani will be the first pitcher to oppose Houston as the season resumes. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were the first to score with a couple of RBIs in the Bottom of the 2nd to go up 2-0. The Astros lit up their side of the scoreboard in the Top of the 4th with a couple of RBIs with the bases loaded. We're now tied at 2-2. Astros went ahead in the Top of the 5th on a couple of RBIs. The Angels tied things up again in the Bottom of the 5th. Astros re-took the lead scoring two on a somewhat deep RBI followed by another RBI in the Top of the 6th. Astros led 7-4 at that point. The Angels bombed one to deep left off of Hector Neris to cut the Astros lead to 7-5 in the Bottom of the 7th. Still it wasn't enough for the Halos, as the Astros won Game 1 by 7-5.
[GAME 2] The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim took a 2-0 lead on a very deep RBI in the Bottom of the 2nd... or was it? It was later ruled a three-run homer. So make that 3-0, Angels. The Astros responded proper with a couple of RBIs in the Top of the 3rd to cut the Angels' lead to 3-2. The Astros would take the lead by scoring two more RBIs in the Top of the 4th. Then, the bottom fell out for the Angels in the Top of the 7th. An RBI by Houston made it a 5-3 Astros' lead in the Top of the 7th. The Angels robbed the Astros of a three-run homer, instead settling for a sacrifice fly to make it 6-3. Kyle Tucker missed a three-run jack, but José Abreu didn't. It was a 9-3 Astros lead now- nine unanswered runs! The Angels finally scored again in the Bottom of the 7th on a two-run bomb. The Astros lead is now 9-5. Framber Valdez had to leave the game with some sort of discomfort or injury after the two-run homer. The Angels' rally continued on a deep RBI in that same inning to cut the Astros' lead down to 9-6. Now the Angels tied the game at 9-9 thanks to a three-run homer in the Bottom of the 7th. It's looking more like when the Astros were leading at the Rangers big until they rallied. The Astros re-took the lead on a two-run jack in the Top of the 8th. Two Astros' runs scored to make it an 11-9 Astros lead in this slugfest. The Astros added another run in the Top of the 9th on an RBI to lead 12-9. Shohei Ohtani hit a solo bomb in the Bottom of the 9th to cut the Astros lead to 12-10. A wild pitch with the bases loaded and nobody out led to the Angels trimming the Astros lead to 12-11. Then an RBI with one out the same inning tied the game at 12-12. This game had to be decided in extra innings. Angels had an answer to almost anything the Astros dished out. What should have been a double play to force the 11th inning ends up in an out followed by an error leading to a walk-off win. The baseball dieties were not the Astros side tonight. Rubber Game tomorrow after this cruel fate for Houston.
[GAME 3] Give us baseball. This series finale was on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. After last night's epic fail, the Houston Astros wasted no time getting on the board first. A timely RBI lead to a 1-0 lead for Houston in the Top of the 1st. The Angels tied things up at 1-1 in the Bottom of the 2nd thanks to The Moose (Mike Moustakas) banging a solo homer. Two runs were batted in the Bottom of the 4th as an RBI dribbling down the left field line brought in two runs to make it a 3-1 Angels lead. The Astros took the Angels deep on back-to-back jacks, both of the solo variety in the Top of the 7th. We're tied at 3-3 now. This series is nuts! The Angels broke up the deadlock on an RBI in the Bottom of 7th. So the Angels are back up by 4-3 now after their go-ahead RBI. Rafael Montero got rocked on a two-out, bases loaded hit that brought home three Angels. Angels went up 7-4, and I stopped watching afterwards. This game ended 9-8 in favor of... the Houston Astros! I was shocked we came back to win this one. A few runs in the Top of the 8th along with some clutch offense in the Top of the 9th helped the Astros get the win. All the Angels could do was a solo homer by Shohei Ohtani, but it wasn't enough for the Halos.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (7-5; Houston)
GM2: (13-12, 10 innings; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
GM3: (9-8; Houston)
UP NEXT: at COL Rockies - 2 games, starting TUE
The 2023 Houston Astros will leave Anaheim with a 52-42 record, still 2nd in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers. We are on the outside of the top 2 of the AL Wild Card behind Baltimore and Toronto. Up next the continuation of our last(?) three-game road trip of the season. It includes a trip to the Mile High City to have a quick series with the Colorado Rockies. After that brief series, it is at the Oakland Athletics for four starting on Thursday. Injuries are still a concern for the Astros and have been all season long. Hopefully the Astros can navigate through all of this.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
- 4,271
- Indiana
- DolphDrago
Good ol' Cincinnati sports teams. How you love to tease fans with greatness, only to fall flat on your faces and dash our hopes. I'm aware there are a LOT of games left to be played, so it isn't over yet. But jeez, what an awful series that concluded for the Reds against Milwaukee. This team switched from smashing the ball like mad to setting records for anemic hitting. And during that time, the starting pitching was actually good! But annoyingly, it was for nothing.
Let this sink in. Counting the final game before the break, the Reds became the first team in 130 years with 0 runs and less than 8 total hits in a 3 game span. That's right, the Brew Crew shut them out for 3 consecutive games. Impressively bad considering they had just hit a home run in a franchise record 22 straight games beforehand. What the hell happened? They finally scored in the finale. In fact, they even lead the majority of the game. But the usually reliable bullpen gave up 2 runs to seal the sweep by Milwaukee.
Game 1: 1-0 Brewers
Game 2: 3-0 Brewers
Game 3: 4-3 Brewers
Not a good way to start off the second half of the season. I know the Brewers have good starting pitching, but c'mon. That was a pathetic series for the offense. Milwaukee has regained the NL Central lead at 52-42, two games up on the 50-44 Redlegs. Tonight the Reds begin a stand against another tough opponent in the Giants. The buzz that may hopefully get the offense going again is the callup of Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The dude has been crushing it in the minors this year. It was just a matter of when he was going to make his debut for the big team. With no room to put him on the field, he'll be DH'ing tonight.
Let this sink in. Counting the final game before the break, the Reds became the first team in 130 years with 0 runs and less than 8 total hits in a 3 game span. That's right, the Brew Crew shut them out for 3 consecutive games. Impressively bad considering they had just hit a home run in a franchise record 22 straight games beforehand. What the hell happened? They finally scored in the finale. In fact, they even lead the majority of the game. But the usually reliable bullpen gave up 2 runs to seal the sweep by Milwaukee.
Game 1: 1-0 Brewers
Game 2: 3-0 Brewers
Game 3: 4-3 Brewers
Not a good way to start off the second half of the season. I know the Brewers have good starting pitching, but c'mon. That was a pathetic series for the offense. Milwaukee has regained the NL Central lead at 52-42, two games up on the 50-44 Redlegs. Tonight the Reds begin a stand against another tough opponent in the Giants. The buzz that may hopefully get the offense going again is the callup of Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The dude has been crushing it in the minors this year. It was just a matter of when he was going to make his debut for the big team. With no room to put him on the field, he'll be DH'ing tonight.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
There were 12 teams scored 10+ runs last night. This has been the most since 13 teams did this in 1894. Who are the 12 teams to knock in 10+ runs last night? Here they are:
(NOTE: ! = won game)
Wow! Hello, offense! The 2023 season is already a very interesting one. Even more so after last night's offensive outbursts.
I will post the series summary of the Astros at Rockies two-game set once I complete it.
[UPDATE] I put Cleveland in twice, meaning Cincinnati in one of them. Changes made.
(NOTE: ! = won game)
- Los Angeles Dodgers! - 10
- Cleveland! - 10
- Chicago White Sox - 10
- New York Mets! - 11
- Arizona! - 16
- Atlanta - 13
- San Francisco! - 11
- Cincinnati - 10
- Chicago Cubs! - 17
- Detroit - 10
- Kansas City! - 11
- Minnesota! - 10
Wow! Hello, offense! The 2023 season is already a very interesting one. Even more so after last night's offensive outbursts.
I will post the series summary of the Astros at Rockies two-game set once I complete it.
[UPDATE] I put Cleveland in twice, meaning Cincinnati in one of them. Changes made.
Last edited:
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The Colorado Rockies may be Miles High of everyone else; but they are miles low not only in the NL West, but also in the NL. They currently have the National League's worst record at 36-58. Despite Colorado's woes, they took 2 out of 3 in their latest series hosting the New York Yankees. Now the Rockies host my Houston Astros for a quick two-game set. We took the first two, but can we take the other two? Let's find out...
* HOU Astros at COL Rockies - 2 games
[GAME 1] Houston wasted no time getting to an early lead after a hit batter on the very first pitch followed by a deep RBI. Houston jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the Top of the 1st. Colorado, meanwhile, banged two homers to tie the game at 3-3 in the Bottom of the 1st. The Rockies went ahead on a deep RBI in the Bottom of the 4th, up 4-3. Remember the Rockies just won their series against the Yankees, so the last place NL West Rockies are playing spoiler to the 2nd Place AL West Astros. Four unanswered runs by the Colorado Rockies have told the story of Game 1 so far. Roaring start, whimpering fail. Colorado downs Houston 4-3 in Game 1. Astros will try to split this leg of the series tomorrow afternoon.
[GAME 2] When I first followed the game, the Houston Astros led 4-0 in the Middle of the 7th. They had a one-hitter going. Colorado averted a shutout thanks to a solo bomb to center. The only victory for Colorado in this game was avoiding the shutout. Astros won this one 4-1 to split this series.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-3; Colorado)
GM2: (4-1; Houston)
UP NEXT: at OAK Athletics - 4 games, starting THU
The 2023 Houston Astros are now 53-43, still 2nd behind the Texas Rangers. The Astros and Rockies will meet again in the Mexico Series next season. The Astros will be at the Oakland Athletics to conclude this three-city road trip. So they go from the NL West worst team to the worst team in the AL West and overall. Let's see how the Astros handle the Athletics in their house this weekend.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
* HOU Astros at COL Rockies - 2 games
[GAME 1] Houston wasted no time getting to an early lead after a hit batter on the very first pitch followed by a deep RBI. Houston jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the Top of the 1st. Colorado, meanwhile, banged two homers to tie the game at 3-3 in the Bottom of the 1st. The Rockies went ahead on a deep RBI in the Bottom of the 4th, up 4-3. Remember the Rockies just won their series against the Yankees, so the last place NL West Rockies are playing spoiler to the 2nd Place AL West Astros. Four unanswered runs by the Colorado Rockies have told the story of Game 1 so far. Roaring start, whimpering fail. Colorado downs Houston 4-3 in Game 1. Astros will try to split this leg of the series tomorrow afternoon.
[GAME 2] When I first followed the game, the Houston Astros led 4-0 in the Middle of the 7th. They had a one-hitter going. Colorado averted a shutout thanks to a solo bomb to center. The only victory for Colorado in this game was avoiding the shutout. Astros won this one 4-1 to split this series.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-3; Colorado)
GM2: (4-1; Houston)
UP NEXT: at OAK Athletics - 4 games, starting THU
The 2023 Houston Astros are now 53-43, still 2nd behind the Texas Rangers. The Astros and Rockies will meet again in the Mexico Series next season. The Astros will be at the Oakland Athletics to conclude this three-city road trip. So they go from the NL West worst team to the worst team in the AL West and overall. Let's see how the Astros handle the Athletics in their house this weekend.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! Feel free to share how your favorite teams are doing if you wish.
- 26,300
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
The 2023 Oakland Athletics stink. However, don't tell that to the A's. They can play spoiler quite well. Even the Astros know this in trying to keep pace with Texas in the AL West and in the AL Wild Card race. This is what we would call a Trap Game (or a Trap Series) for the Astros. So let's see how the Astros will return home after this road trip and after this four-game weekend set.
* HOU Astros at OAK Athletics - 4 games
[GAME 1] A deep RBI led to an early lead by Oakland in the Bottom of the 1st. Some timely hitting helped the Astros go ahead 2-1 in the Top of the 6th. Alex Bregman had liftoff on a solo jack to left in the Top of the 9th to put the Astros up 3-1. The Astros closed out the game to preserve the 3-1 victory in Game 1.
[GAME 2] It was 1-0, Astros, in the Top of the 3rd when I first followed this game. Alex Bregman bombs one to left-center for the Astros to go up 3-0 the same inning. After Tony Kemp got plunked, Oakland hit an RBI to bring the Astros' lead down to 3-1. Kyle Tucker bombed a two-run jack to put the Astros up 5-1 in the Top of the 5th. It was the third career multi-HR game for "King Tuck." A run was walked in with the bases loaded and nobody out in the Bottom of the 5th. So the Astros now lead 5-2 instead of 5-1. A Sacrifice Fly by Oakland later that inning brought the lead down to 5-3. A groundout made it a 5-4 Astros lead now in the same inning. There was no further A's damage in a haphazard Bottom of the 5th for Framber Valdez. He did it again- THREE bombs by Kyle Tucker, as he knocked one to right for the Astros to go up 6-4. Ryan Pressly got his 100th career Save in this game as the Astros won this one 6-4.
[GAME 3] The game was a pitcher's duel for half of the game until Alex Bregman hit a solo bomb to left-center to put the Astros up 1-0 in the Top of the 6th. The Athletics finally got on the board with two RBIs with the bases loaded to go ahead 2-1 in the Bottom of the 6th. The Astros' relief pitchers were getting stymied late as Oakland hit a solo homer to right-center to put Oakland up 3-1 in the Bottom of the 7th. With the Dodgers smashing the Rangers 16-3 earlier today, the same "Astros can't capitalize" 🤬 was happening. The Astros' problems only got worse once Oakland hit another homer to go up 4-1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and I stopped watching after that one left the yard. The A's finally figured out the Astros. Final: 4-1, Oakland.
[GAME 4] The first time I followed this game, it was 1-0, Athletics heading into the Top of the 4th. Yanier Diaz jacked one left to tie the game at 1-1 in the Top of the 5th. Oakland re-took the lead on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 6th to go ahead 2-1. Bad weather rolled through, so I didn't get to see the conclusion of this game. The game ended 3-2 in favor of the Houston Astros. We took this series in what I heard is our final regular season game in California for this season. Oakland is now 28-74 on the season after this series- the worst record in the league.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (3-1; Houston)
GM2: (6-4; Houston)
GM3: (4-1; Oakland)
GM4: (3-2; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. vs. TEX Rangers - 3 games, starting MON
The 2023 Houston Astros are now 56-44, still 2nd behind the the 59-41 Texas Rangers. Speaking of the aforementioned Rangers, they are our next opponent when we return home tomorrow for a three-game set. If the Astros somehow sweep this upcoming series, both teams will have the same 59-44 record and be tied for the AL West lead. I also noticed we leaped ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2nd AL Wild Card slot. As long as we're not tied with Toronto, Houston can get in the Playoffs as an AL Wild Card team, granted we don't win the AL West. But now, the AL Wild Card slot 1 is currently with 61-42 Tampa Bay. Remember when Tampa Bay had that awesome start to this season?
Elsewhere...
I see the Cincinnati Reds have won five straight now. They swept the NL West Arizona Diamondbacks. I read Elly (Electric?) de la Cruz hit a leadoff homer in today's game. Despite sweeping the Snakes, the Redlegs got a big test coming up with a three-game set at the Milwaukee Brewers. A series win or sweep will give Cincy the NL Central lead. Both CIN and MIL each have 55 wins now at the time of this post, though Milwaukee has 45 losses compared to Cincinnati's 46.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
* HOU Astros at OAK Athletics - 4 games
[GAME 1] A deep RBI led to an early lead by Oakland in the Bottom of the 1st. Some timely hitting helped the Astros go ahead 2-1 in the Top of the 6th. Alex Bregman had liftoff on a solo jack to left in the Top of the 9th to put the Astros up 3-1. The Astros closed out the game to preserve the 3-1 victory in Game 1.
[GAME 2] It was 1-0, Astros, in the Top of the 3rd when I first followed this game. Alex Bregman bombs one to left-center for the Astros to go up 3-0 the same inning. After Tony Kemp got plunked, Oakland hit an RBI to bring the Astros' lead down to 3-1. Kyle Tucker bombed a two-run jack to put the Astros up 5-1 in the Top of the 5th. It was the third career multi-HR game for "King Tuck." A run was walked in with the bases loaded and nobody out in the Bottom of the 5th. So the Astros now lead 5-2 instead of 5-1. A Sacrifice Fly by Oakland later that inning brought the lead down to 5-3. A groundout made it a 5-4 Astros lead now in the same inning. There was no further A's damage in a haphazard Bottom of the 5th for Framber Valdez. He did it again- THREE bombs by Kyle Tucker, as he knocked one to right for the Astros to go up 6-4. Ryan Pressly got his 100th career Save in this game as the Astros won this one 6-4.
[GAME 3] The game was a pitcher's duel for half of the game until Alex Bregman hit a solo bomb to left-center to put the Astros up 1-0 in the Top of the 6th. The Athletics finally got on the board with two RBIs with the bases loaded to go ahead 2-1 in the Bottom of the 6th. The Astros' relief pitchers were getting stymied late as Oakland hit a solo homer to right-center to put Oakland up 3-1 in the Bottom of the 7th. With the Dodgers smashing the Rangers 16-3 earlier today, the same "Astros can't capitalize" 🤬 was happening. The Astros' problems only got worse once Oakland hit another homer to go up 4-1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and I stopped watching after that one left the yard. The A's finally figured out the Astros. Final: 4-1, Oakland.
[GAME 4] The first time I followed this game, it was 1-0, Athletics heading into the Top of the 4th. Yanier Diaz jacked one left to tie the game at 1-1 in the Top of the 5th. Oakland re-took the lead on an RBI single in the Bottom of the 6th to go ahead 2-1. Bad weather rolled through, so I didn't get to see the conclusion of this game. The game ended 3-2 in favor of the Houston Astros. We took this series in what I heard is our final regular season game in California for this season. Oakland is now 28-74 on the season after this series- the worst record in the league.
--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (3-1; Houston)
GM2: (6-4; Houston)
GM3: (4-1; Oakland)
GM4: (3-2; Houston)
UP NEXT: vs. vs. TEX Rangers - 3 games, starting MON
The 2023 Houston Astros are now 56-44, still 2nd behind the the 59-41 Texas Rangers. Speaking of the aforementioned Rangers, they are our next opponent when we return home tomorrow for a three-game set. If the Astros somehow sweep this upcoming series, both teams will have the same 59-44 record and be tied for the AL West lead. I also noticed we leaped ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2nd AL Wild Card slot. As long as we're not tied with Toronto, Houston can get in the Playoffs as an AL Wild Card team, granted we don't win the AL West. But now, the AL Wild Card slot 1 is currently with 61-42 Tampa Bay. Remember when Tampa Bay had that awesome start to this season?
Elsewhere...
I see the Cincinnati Reds have won five straight now. They swept the NL West Arizona Diamondbacks. I read Elly (Electric?) de la Cruz hit a leadoff homer in today's game. Despite sweeping the Snakes, the Redlegs got a big test coming up with a three-game set at the Milwaukee Brewers. A series win or sweep will give Cincy the NL Central lead. Both CIN and MIL each have 55 wins now at the time of this post, though Milwaukee has 45 losses compared to Cincinnati's 46.
Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners!
- 38,727
- Application hell
- MP-Omnis
Ohtani is on the trading block. Crazy, right? I think the Angels would be nuts to get rid of him, but can they really afford to keep the best baseball player of all time? It's gotta suck to know that your whole franchise and its global impact will come to an end soon. I will say that if Shohei winds up in the NL it's going to be insane, but I don't think that's happening since he's become more of a hitter/slugger who can also win a Cy Young instead of just being an ace pitcher who's really plus at bat (like Jose Fernandez was). Gotta wonder what kind of trade teams will put up to have Ohtani join the squad for the postseason before he hits the open market.
- 20,062
- NJ/USA
- Blitzbay
- Blitzbay
- 38,727
- Application hell
- MP-Omnis
Thank you for enlightening me. Never even occurred to me that they made this change. I thought the only thing they recently changed was the pitch clock since that's what people have been fussing over. Haven't been to a game or really even watched a whole game since Fernandez died, to be honest.
