The Houston Astros (1-0) offense came alive in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) on Thursday afternoon, resulting in a 5-1 win against the reigning AL Cy Young winner.
How It Happened:
Austin Meadows got the Rays season started off with a leadoff solo shot out to left center field to take an early lead. George Springer got the Astros offense going in the top of the third with a three-run bomb out to center field to take control of the ballgame.
Michael Brantley, a key free agency signing gave the Astros a 4-1 lead in the fourth with a solo shot out to right field. Jose Altuve made it a trifecta of home runs with a solo shot of his own in the fifth inning, increasing their lead to 5-1.
Big Number: 3
Three was the magic number for Houston with Springer getting his third straight Opening Day home run, three total home runs for the Astros, and Justin Verlander allowing only three hits on the afternoon. An impressive start to the season.
Player of the Game: Justin Verlander
Outside of that one home run early on in the ballgame, Verlander was solid in seven innings of work, allowing only three hits and nine strikeouts. The 37-year-old signed a long-term contract with the franchise on Sunday and the deal is already paying off for the franchise.
Next Up: Friday vs Tampa Bay; First Pitch at 6:10 pm
-Clint Domingue