Astros & Springer Walk off Victorious

George Springer (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

George Springer is a star. He was a star in college, and had a historic minor league season between AA and AAA in 2013.

Springer’s arrival to Houston is eagerly awaited by all Astros fans.  Exactly when that will occur is still up in the air. What we do know, is that it will happen in 2014. Based on his near 40/40 season, it appears that there is nothing left for the outfielder to accomplish in the minor leagues.

Of course, that isn’t exactly how the Astros might see it. Unfortunately there might be some monetary concerns and reasons for why Springer will start the season in minors. If that is the only reason for Springer not being an Astro on Opening Day, then that is just wrong.

Springer has been struggling this spring, but he turned it around this afternoon in the Astros come from behind 10-9 victory over the Washington Nationals. The walk off single brought his average up to just .190 as he went 2-3 on the day with a run scored.

Jason Castro got the day off to a good start for the Astros with a first inning double. Today’s lineup was remarkably similar to what we can expect to see on Opening Day, and Dexter Fowler got the day started with a single. Fowler got on base ahead of Castro again in the third inning prior to the catcher’s two run home run.

Jerome Williams got the start on the mound and was sabotaged by Jonathan Villar‘s defense. The shortstop let a popup drop and also made a second fielding error which led to the four unearned runs Williams allowed.

Villar did make up for his defense slightly with an RBI single, but his defense is something that must improve. Delino DeShields had an RBI single as part of the ninth inning rally and Japhet Amador showed his power with a blast to dead center that was dropped allowing a run to score.

In the left-handed reliever competition, Darin Downs pitched in 1.1 innings allowing one run on two hits. Raul Valdes got the win with a perfect ninth inning while striking out two.