The past week has been frustrating for Astros fans; the team has lost some winnable games, but that happens. The team looked lost at the plate tonight, but pitchers like Aaron Nola will do that to you sometimes. This season has involved a lot of shrugging on my part, not because I do not care but because this team does not have the talent that the Astros had in years past, and it is unfair to compare any team to the 2022 Astros. We’ve been spoiled.
Verlander was tonight’s starter, and although he gave up four earned runs in only five innings, he did not pitch that poorly. The damage was done in the third inning via a Turner single and a Castellanos three-run bomb. Outside of that, Verlander was good but not great. Justin is over forty, and it is unrealistic to expect him to perform like an ace. Without him, the Astros probably do not win the division last year. How do you value four hypothetical wins by Drew Gilbert in 2027 against a division title? Up to you.
The offense could have been better tonight. They only had six singles and one walk, and it is hard to win games that way.
The Phillies scored again in the 7th to make the score 5-0. That would be the final score.
Thoughts:
This team has had a bad week, but they are playing really good teams. They played well against the O’s but lost a couple of close games. The problem is that Houston will play many good teams down the stretch, including KC, Arizona, San Diego, and Cleveland. Worse, Seattle’s schedule looks pretty soft in comparison.
I would still bet on the Stros to win the division. However, if they miss the playoffs entirely, those losses in April will hurt extra.