For a day, the Houston Astros enjoyed the elements of a formulaic win. An early lead. A quality start. A relatively rested bullpen.
With them, they sailed to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox and secured their first series win at Daikin Park in more than a month. Houston had lost its past four home series. It took three of four from the American League Central leaders and won the teams' season series, 5-2.
No division in baseball is more woeful than the AL West, though the AL Central is close. Still, the Astros extended their AL West lead to 2 ½ games, pending the Rangers' result later Thursday, and returned to their high-water mark at three games over .500 with 21 to play in their season.
The Astros have won seven of 10 games since a dismal homestand and the dismissal of their general manager, an upturn at an opportune time. Their next three series are also against contending teams, starting with the Arizona Diamondbacks' arrival this weekend.
Their playoff fate remains in their control. Thursday, their offense scored six runs against Chicago right-hander Luis Castillo by the third inning, offering a cushion for ace Hunter Brown, who worked a quality start. Three relievers combined to retire nine of 10 batters faced.
#games #central #lead
With them, they sailed to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox and secured their first series win at Daikin Park in more than a month. Houston had lost its past four home series. It took three of four from the American League Central leaders and won the teams' season series, 5-2.
No division in baseball is more woeful than the AL West, though the AL Central is close. Still, the Astros extended their AL West lead to 2 ½ games, pending the Rangers' result later Thursday, and returned to their high-water mark at three games over .500 with 21 to play in their season.
The Astros have won seven of 10 games since a dismal homestand and the dismissal of their general manager, an upturn at an opportune time. Their next three series are also against contending teams, starting with the Arizona Diamondbacks' arrival this weekend.
Their playoff fate remains in their control. Thursday, their offense scored six runs against Chicago right-hander Luis Castillo by the third inning, offering a cushion for ace Hunter Brown, who worked a quality start. Three relievers combined to retire nine of 10 batters faced.
#games #central #lead
13 days ago
