The Brewers’ four-run first inning all the pop they needed to beat the powerless Stros offense.
With one of the weakest offenses in MLB now completely impotent minus Yordan Alvarez, the Astros will depend even more than ever on tight pitching.
The five runs surrendered in the last two games will not win many games for this “new-look” Astros team. Today’s game was essentially over when Hayden Wesneski, after a ten-day hiatus, allowed four runs in the first inning on a walk, two doubles, and a homer.
With a decent offense, this game was far from over. Wesneski settled down nicely. But with the Astros’ offense?
The third inning epitomizes the Astros’ lack of confidence offensively. After Cam Smith led off with a double, down four runs, manager Joe Espada chose to let his two best hitters, Jeremy Pena and Jose Altuve, both try to bunt him home. Pena moved Smith to third, but Altuve’s bunt was a pop out, and #3 hitter Issac Paredes grounded out.
The great Orioles manager Earl Weaver once said, “the key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three-run homers.” Failing the first two much of this game, the Astros turned to #3 in the seventh inning, Brendan Rogers homering home Yainer Diaz and Jake Rogers, who singled in front of him. This homer chased Brewers starter Chad Patrick.
Rodgers with his first Astros HR!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/hvR07Tbxbt
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Speaking of fundamentals, thanks to Altuve being thrown out attempting to steal in the eighth inning, the Astros managed to not score the tying run despite getting three hits.
Doesn’t this team look sick? Only five hits, one for five with runners in scoring position. So many players are playing below career averages, and the only bright spot so far is Hunter Brown. I predicted this team would finish third. Maybe that’s optimistic. They are now in fourth place with a record of 17-18.
Early game tomorrow. 12:10 CT