The Houston Astros’ five-game winning streak came to an end after a rough road loss to the A’s in their first away game of the season following a seven-game homestand. The Astros had been on a hot streak at home, but that momentum didn’t travel across state lines.
While Christian Javier gave up several runs and walks, the A’s put together a strong home opener, ending Houston’s streak.
Still, a couple of milestones stood out.
Christian Javier reached 600 career strikeouts, a major milestone for the 29-year-old right-hander. But it wasn’t his best outing. He struggled with command, allowing six earned runs on six hits and five walks over 3 2/3 innings, taking the loss. He recorded just two strikeouts and threw 44 strikes on 82 pitches, with his season ERA rising to 12.96. Javier said he had trouble gripping the ball, which affected his control, per MLB.
Slugger Yordan Alvarez hit his 500th RBI, becoming the 15th player in franchise history to reach the mark and the fastest to do so in just 685 games. He passed Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, who recorded 500 RBI in 717 games. It was a huge moment for Alvarez, even in a tough loss.
The Astros face the A’s again this afternoon. Houston will need to rebound after yesterday’s 11-4 loss, while the A’s come in hot, looking to extend their momentum.
Today also marks Tatsuya Imai’s second Major League start, one of the most anticipated additions to the Astros this offseason. During his first start, his nerves may have gotten the best of him, but on his eighth pitch he recorded his first Major League strikeout against Angels star Mike Trout. He also struck out Jorge Soler later in the first inning, then ended the second inning with back-to-back strikeouts of Josh Lowe and Travis d'Arnaud.
The third inning proved more challenging. A bases-loaded double by Soler cleared the bases, and an RBI single by Jo Adell tied the game. Imai said the Major League environment is very different from Japan, and that adjustment led to some mistakes.
Still, the flashes of his talent were obvious. His ability to miss bats, maintain poise under pressure, and show off the pitching mechanics that made him one of the most talked-about newcomers this offseason gives Astros fans plenty to be excited about. Now that he has had a little time to settle in, Imai looks ready to prove why he belongs on the mound at the highest level.