Essential to the Houston Astros' revival has been a resurgent bullpen. No relief corps in the majors had a higher ERA through May 21, the start of this team's slow turnaround. Entering Saturday, only one owned a lower mark since that date, a stretch in which the Astros were tied for the best record in the American League.
Extending their newfound lead in the AL West hinged on that unit again Saturday evening. Five relievers combined to throw 4⅓ innings of one-run ball as the Astros secured a 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers, moved 1½ games up in the division and ensured they will finish this series between in-state rivals alone in first place.
Houston has won 10 of its last 11 games and is 57-55, a timely push two days before the trade deadline. Outfield offense and pitching are its two priorities, in that order. Contributions from those areas on the current roster buoyed a fifth consecutive victory Saturday, matching the club's longest winning streak of the season.
Third baseman won't rule out a return this season
LaMonte Wade Jr. and Taylor Trammell, two of the Astros' left-handed hitting outfielders, drove in three of the five runs they scored against Rangers starter Jacob deGrom. With a 5-3 lead, the Astros turned to their bullpen with two outs in the fifth inning, lifting starter Ronel Blanco with a runner on and starting a series of maneuvers.
#saturday
Extending their newfound lead in the AL West hinged on that unit again Saturday evening. Five relievers combined to throw 4⅓ innings of one-run ball as the Astros secured a 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers, moved 1½ games up in the division and ensured they will finish this series between in-state rivals alone in first place.
Houston has won 10 of its last 11 games and is 57-55, a timely push two days before the trade deadline. Outfield offense and pitching are its two priorities, in that order. Contributions from those areas on the current roster buoyed a fifth consecutive victory Saturday, matching the club's longest winning streak of the season.
Third baseman won't rule out a return this season
LaMonte Wade Jr. and Taylor Trammell, two of the Astros' left-handed hitting outfielders, drove in three of the five runs they scored against Rangers starter Jacob deGrom. With a 5-3 lead, the Astros turned to their bullpen with two outs in the fifth inning, lifting starter Ronel Blanco with a runner on and starting a series of maneuvers.
#saturday
3 months ago
