The Houston Astros claimed their first win of the season on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, 11-9, after starting the year with two straight losses. This is the kind of momentum they need to carry forward during their seven-game homestand, especially as they begin their series with the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
Today will be the final game of the Angels series, and hopefully, the Astros can walk away with another win.
So what went right yesterday?
With the lineup a bit uncertain due to injuries and a crowded infield, here’s a look at the winning starting lineup for yesterday’s win.
First thing to notice: no Jeremy Peña, who reportedly didn’t start as a way of managing his workload following his return from a finger fracture.
2B Jose Altuve
DH Yordan Alvarez
3B Isaac Paredes
SS Carlos Correa
1B Christian Walker
RF Cam Smith C Yainer Díaz
CF Jake Meyers
LF Brice Matthews
RHP Christian Javier
Between strong plays, solid athleticism, and overall chemistry, the Astros seemed in sync yesterday, and it made all the difference.
Cam Smith made some incredible plays. He had an impressive reach against the wall to get the out. Later, he sprinted toward the netting, caught the ball, launched himself into the seats, got twisted in the netting, and flipped the ball to Walker to get it back in play.
Isaac Paredes delivered a powerful hit that brought in two runs, and Carlos Correa at shortstop executed a perfect ground-ball spin and throw to first for the out. These are just a few examples of the strong plays that demonstrated flow and power.
The Astros also made a serious comeback after being down 6-0. When the Angels had a hiccup with a ball slip, the Astros tied the game, and just like that, they were back in it.
The Astros kept making contact after contact, and the Angels could not secure the ball, allowing Houston to bring in 11 runs total.
Overall, it was an exciting game for the Astros, and fans saw a team that not only capitalized on the Angels' mistakes but also outplayed them. This was the kind of performance you want from a Houston team determined not to miss the playoffs two years in a row.
Can they do it again today?
We will see, and Tatsuyla Imai will make his official Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros this afternoon.