The Houston Astros (2-3) needed to start off their series against in-state rival the Texas Rangers (2-3) the right way after the way their trip to Tampa Bay ended. The efforts of former Ranger Robinson Chirinos and an outstanding performance from Brad Peacock was enough to help the Astros come away with a 2-1 win.
How It Happened:
George Springer wasted little time getting the Astros on the board with a leadoff home run out o left-center field in the first gave them an early edge. However, Ronald Guzman took advantage of an 0-2 count and lifted one out to left center to even things up.
Chirinos got the Astros back out in front in the sixth with an RBI double on a line drive to Joey Gallo to get Carlos Correa home safely and that proved to be all the Astros needed to open up the series with a win.
Big Number: 25
George Springer has become one of the best leadoff hitters in the league and Monday night proved just that with his 25th leadoff home run in his career. What’s more interesting is that it’s his ninth leadoff dinger against the Rangers.
Player of the Game: Brad Peacock
Peacock didn’t have an outstanding game like Justin Verlander did to open up the season, but he was able to keep the damage to one run off of two hits and struck out five in six and two-thirds of an inning of work. Sometimes, that’s all you really need to succeed in the game of baseball.
Next Up: Tuesday vs Rangers; First Pitch 7:05 pm
-Clint Domingue