Offensive drought continues through the very end of Spring Training
The Astros were 22nd in team OPS this Spring across MLB. They didn’t show any signs of breaking out of their offensive stupor after losing to their little brothers in AAA, the Sugarland Space Cowboys, 7-6.
On the official Day One of the Cam Smith era, the new golden boy was 0-3, although he made some good contact. At the other end of the experience spectrum, the face of the Astros, Jose Altuve, continued his cold Spring, striking out on all three of his at bats.
Yordan Alvarez homered in his first at bat against A.J. Blubaugh but struck out in his next two at bats.
On the brighter side, Zach Dezenzo was 3-4 with an RBI, and fourth outfielder Chas McCormick was 2-4. Jeremy Pena stayed hot too, going 2-3.
Astros starter Hayden Wesneski was shaky. Although he only surrendered one run in 4.1 innings, he scattered six hits and two walks. In total, Astros pitching was not as bad as the seven runs indicated as four were scored against Rhett Kouba, who is most unlikely to see major league action this year.
However, the Astros offensive production was not as impressive as their six runs scored indicated as the Astros scored three runs during ninth inning garbage time against the bottom rung of the Space Cowboys bullpen.
Games that count begin Thursday.